The UK Department for Transport has issued a preliminary market engagement notice to explore private investor interest in funding and delivering expanded international passenger rail depot capacity in the London area. The initiative aims to address the current shortage of maintenance and stabling depot capacity, which is limiting competition and growth in the international rail sector, particularly with new entrants planning to compete with Eurostar and Eurostar’s own expansion plans involving 30-50 new trainsets. The government is considering a Public-Private Partnership to construct and operate a new light and/or heavy maintenance facility to support multiple operators.

The notice invites potential investors to participate in initial discussions via Microsoft Teams in early November 2025 and to express interest through the Jaggaer online portal by October 22, 2025, including submitting a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement and a questionnaire. The engagement seeks to gauge investor appetite, preferred commercial structures, risk considerations, and potential revenue streams, with an estimated tender publication date of December 31, 2025, and contract duration from September 2027 to August 2029. Participation in this engagement is voluntary, at the organization’s own cost, and does not guarantee involvement in any future procurement process. For more information, click here.