A Platform For Growth
Posted on 10 October 2025Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is launching the Ashford International Station Prospectus, which has been jointly commissioned by ABC, London St Pancras and Kent County Council.
In an area of growth, Ashford International Station with the capacity to process 850 to 900 passengers per train, with 1,800 parking spaces, and having attracted over 600,000 passengers a year previously, represents existing investment that has the great potential to service the increasing demand for sustainable international rail services.
The Ashford International Station Prospectus showcases the existing opportunities and demand for inbound and outbound business and leisure travel, expanding the number of passengers through this regional transport hub, which is already within the top 6% of busiest stations in the country.
Following on from the recent successful Grow In Kent event held at Ashford and Ebbsfleet International Stations last month, this brochure is the next part of an ongoing campaign.
This has been given a renewed impetus recently by having high profile figures such as Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, and Vincent Caure, Deputé for French citizens in Northern Europe, pledge their support alongside MPs across the southeast, rail operators, partners and businesses. Everyone involved is united in coming together to overcome this shared challenge – the return of international rail services to Kent.
It is important that we keep banging the drum and keep the momentum going by showcasing why Ashford International Station is the ideal Platform for Growth.
The public petition is now above 80,000 signatures and we need to continue to strive to get this above 100,000 and put this forward to be debated in parliament. We will also continue to push for action from DfT colleagues in setting up a working group to consider the remaining barriers at the stations around border staff and equipment, and the efficient operations of the stations.
Cllr Noel Overden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council
To find out more about our campaign visit Ashford Borough Council website, or sign the Bring Back Euro Trains petition on Change.org
