ANOTHER UK train station could soon be made international in a predicted £1.3billion tourism boost.
There are now plans to put Stratford on the map by making it the second international stop in London, along with St Pancras.
Despite its name, Stratford International currently only operates domestic services.
The move would make Stratford the second international rail stop in London, along with St Pancras.
An application has now been submitted for a Business Rate Retention Zone (BRRZ) in the area.
A Business Rates Retention Zone allows local councils to reinvest money into local economic development, like expanding the train station.
The London Mayor’s officials are meeting with train operators, authorities in Paris and commercial bodies to get backing for the plan.
Speaking to The Standard, Sadiq Khan said: “The case for creating a Stratford International worthy of the name is clear and compelling.
“The popularity of international rail continues to grow in London, which is why my team and I have been lobbying for cross-channel rail services from Stratford for many years – and I’m hoping that our efforts are close to paying off.”
He explained further: “Over the last few months, we’ve been working closely with this new Government to make Stratford International truly ‘international’ for the first time and we’re now within touching distance of getting our plans over the line.
“The data shows that bringing international services to Stratford would bring in an additional £1.3bn in tourist spending for the UK.
“Stratford has become one of Europe’s largest and most successful regeneration projects, and I believe with the arrival of cross-Channel services, the future of East London will be even brighter still.”
This is not the only proposal that has been made for Stratford – Sir Richard Branson‘s rail company Virgin Trains have confirmed they are interested in the station too.
A Virgin Group spokesperson previously said the company is: “looking forward to exploring additional stops, including Stratford International.”