thomson787
Member
I travel on HS1 at least once a week and have noticed several interesting developments at both Ashford and Ebbsfleet International over recent weeks. I thought these might be worth sharing to see whether anyone else has noticed anything or has further information.
Ashford International
One of the most noticeable changes is at the main entrance to the international terminal, where some of the Eurostar branding appears to have been removed.
Interestingly, the frontage now looks to have been refinished in a fresh dark blue, rather than simply having the original Eurostar lettering removed. Whether this is part of a wider refurbishment or simply de-branding remains to be seen.
The international platforms (3 and 4) have also been noticeably cleaned up, including both the passenger areas and the trackside sections. However, the original Eurostar-style platform signage remains in place.
I’ve also noticed that the international facilities appear to be receiving more attention generally, despite having been out of regular passenger use for several years.
Ebbsfleet International
I’ve also noticed some interesting activity around the international facilities at Ebbsfleet.
During a recent visit, the London-bound international platform lighting was illuminated, although the coastbound platform lighting remained switched off.
The lift appeared to be powered, the platform clock was operational, and there was an electrical humming noise around the overhead equipment, although I couldn’t confirm whether the OHLE itself was energised.
The passenger information screens were not operational.
Interestingly, there was also a member of staff present within the international hall, which caught my attention given how long the international facilities have been out of passenger use.
What happens next?
Individually, these observations could simply reflect routine maintenance, infrastructure inspections or changes in station management.
However, the combination of the apparent removal of Eurostar branding at Ashford, the cleaning of the international platforms and the activity around Ebbsfleet’s international facilities makes me wonder whether we’re starting to see the early stages of changes to these stations.
With the ongoing discussions surrounding the return of international services to Kent, particularly the ambitions of potential new operators, the timing is certainly interesting.
I’m not suggesting that services are about to resume, but as someone who regularly travels along HS1, these changes have become increasingly noticeable.
Has anyone else observed similar activity at either station?
In particular, does anyone know whether Eurostar has begun formally handing back or relinquishing parts of its facilities at Ashford and Ebbsfleet?
Ashford International
One of the most noticeable changes is at the main entrance to the international terminal, where some of the Eurostar branding appears to have been removed.
Interestingly, the frontage now looks to have been refinished in a fresh dark blue, rather than simply having the original Eurostar lettering removed. Whether this is part of a wider refurbishment or simply de-branding remains to be seen.
The international platforms (3 and 4) have also been noticeably cleaned up, including both the passenger areas and the trackside sections. However, the original Eurostar-style platform signage remains in place.
I’ve also noticed that the international facilities appear to be receiving more attention generally, despite having been out of regular passenger use for several years.
Ebbsfleet International
I’ve also noticed some interesting activity around the international facilities at Ebbsfleet.
During a recent visit, the London-bound international platform lighting was illuminated, although the coastbound platform lighting remained switched off.
The lift appeared to be powered, the platform clock was operational, and there was an electrical humming noise around the overhead equipment, although I couldn’t confirm whether the OHLE itself was energised.
The passenger information screens were not operational.
Interestingly, there was also a member of staff present within the international hall, which caught my attention given how long the international facilities have been out of passenger use.
What happens next?
Individually, these observations could simply reflect routine maintenance, infrastructure inspections or changes in station management.
However, the combination of the apparent removal of Eurostar branding at Ashford, the cleaning of the international platforms and the activity around Ebbsfleet’s international facilities makes me wonder whether we’re starting to see the early stages of changes to these stations.
With the ongoing discussions surrounding the return of international services to Kent, particularly the ambitions of potential new operators, the timing is certainly interesting.
I’m not suggesting that services are about to resume, but as someone who regularly travels along HS1, these changes have become increasingly noticeable.
Has anyone else observed similar activity at either station?
In particular, does anyone know whether Eurostar has begun formally handing back or relinquishing parts of its facilities at Ashford and Ebbsfleet?