Quick decision on Waterloo urged

Eurostar trains used Waterloo for 13 years from November 1994

The Transport Secretary has called for "early recommendations" for the future of the redundant Eurostar terminal at London's Waterloo Station.

It follows the revelation it is costing about £2m a year to keep the five-platform facility "mothballed".

The award-winning terminal shut in 2007 when the St Pancras base was opened.

The Department for Transport has said it will be integrated in redevelopment plans for the station, but passenger groups said this was not until 2012/13.

Ashwin Kumar, director of the rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus, said: "For passengers standing on cramped and busy trains coming into Waterloo these platforms can't come soon enough.

"We urge the industry to make this project a priority and put these vast empty platforms back into use."

Glass roof

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman said: "The Government intends to use the former Eurostar terminal at Waterloo to provide increased capacity for domestic passengers.

"The DfT is discussing the most cost-effective way to integrate Waterloo International into the domestic station and maximise the short, medium and long-term benefits with Network Rail and Stagecoach South West Trains.

"Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has asked his station advisers to make early recommendations on the scope and options for the long-term development of Waterloo, including the former international terminal.

"The British Rail Board (Residuary) Ltd is required to keep the former Eurostar facility safe, secure and serviceable in the interim."

The Waterloo terminal's sweeping platforms and geometric glass roof were designed specifically to accommodate Eurostar trains and intercontinental passengers, and won international awards.