Newham welcomes Government investment in Stratford International, with passenger rail services to Europe planned from 2030, bringing new opportunities for jobs, investment, tourism and growth.
The Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain, has today welcomed the Government’s announcement that passenger trains will run from Stratford International to Europe as early as 2030. The plans build on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics legacy and highlights Stratford as a post-games regeneration success story.
The move follows record investment in Stratford, which is now home to the V&A, Sadlers Wells East, the BBC, world class sports stadia, The Abba Voyage and world-class university campuses.
The evidence shows that, by 2035, the Olympic Park area alone could support more than 11,000 additional jobs, generating a further £2 billion in annual economic output. The wider East London area, meanwhile, is expected to create more than 200,000 jobs by 2050.
Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain said:
“This is brilliant news for Stratford, Newham and London. The announcement means that you’ll be able to get from the heart of Stratford to central Paris in just two and a half hours.
"Stratford is one of London’s great regeneration success stories, and we’ll be working hard to ensure the rest of Newham feels the benefits of our new European connection.
"Just last month, I launched Opportunity Newham, making it clear that my borough is open to responsible investment. Newham is now the gateway to Europe. We’re open for business, and we’ll bring residents with us.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “After lobbying on the issue for many years, I’m delighted that the Government will help us to bring cross-channel rail services to Stratford International – making this station truly international for the first time. It will open up huge opportunities for jobs, investment and tourism.
“The Government have also taken significant steps to devolve transformational new powers and funding to the capital, alongside other communities around the country.
“It’s time to unlock the full potential of this station and help write the next chapter in Stratford’s remarkable success story as we continue building a better, greener more prosperous London for everyone.”
Gianluca Rizzo, from the business forum Stratford Original said: “We welcome the announcement supporting international rail services at Stratford International.
“This is an important step towards realising Stratford’s potential as destination and soon as a gateway to Europe, bringing new opportunities for visitors, investment and local jobs.
“For the businesses we represent, the opportunity is clear: more people discovering Stratford’s independent shops, restaurants, markets and cultural venues. The priority now must be to ensure these benefits reach our town centre, with welcoming, well-connected routes that encourage passengers to explore everything Stratford has to offer.
“We look forward to working with partners to turn this investment into lasting opportunities for local businesses and the communities we serve.”
Dave Calfe, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, warmly welcomed the decision.
He said: ‘The decision to invest in Stratford International is the right decision at the right time. It will mean a boost not just for one station, not just for Newham, and not just for London. It will mean a boost for Britain.’
