Disused Waterloo Eurostar terminal to become a shopping centre

Waterloo International Terminal has only seen limited use since the final Eurostar train left the station in 2007.

Work to bring the five platforms under Nicholas Grimshaw's trainshed roof into full use for commuter trains began on Christmas Eve last year, but until now there has been no firm indication of the Government's intentions for the future use of the extensive space underneath the platforms once used for security, customs and lounges for Eurostar passengers.

Now London and Continental Railways – the property development arm of the Department for Transport – has written to Lambeth Council outlining its proposals for a new subterranean shopping complex.

In a letter to Lambeth planners, Tom Woolner of LCR's planning consultants Quod writes: "The proposals are still evolving, however it is anticipated to comprise some 12,000 square metres of retail (classes A1-A4) floorspace along with an element of assembly & leisure (class D2).

"Whilst it has been agreed that this quantum of commercial floorspace is being brought forward, it is not yet known what the quantum of each use class will be pursued, nor the prospective retailers, as such, the proposals are therefore speculative.

"The refurbishment works provide the opportunity to reuse substantial areas of WIT, which are not required for operational purposes, to provide new retail uses."

A planning application for the new shopping centre is likely to be submitted to the council in due course.

By comparison, the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre has about 13,000 sq m of retail space.

• Details of Network Rail's current works at Waterloo International – which are separate from the LCR retail project – can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/wcip