The sharpening of swords can be heard on both sides of the debate over what to do with Waterloo's expensively mothballed Eurostar platforms.
Network Rail's plans could include knocking down much of the original station and Grimshaw's sinewy trainshed, sinking the concourse to the level of the Eurostar platforms, and building a large office block and a shopping mall to surround the new layout. Such a plan is vigorously opposed by English Heritage, who want to give the entire station Grade II listing. A report by Margaret Hodge is due in the coming weeks, and both sides are eager to put their case forward.
Glum news aside, there is something more promising to report: a production of The Railway Children will be staged on the platforms this summer, featuring the steam engine used in the classic 1970 film.
