Virgin Trains has received approval from the Office of Rail and Road to utilize Eurostar’s train depot in east London. This decision marks the end of Eurostar’s longstanding monopoly on Channel services and opens the door for Virgin Trains to offer international services through the Channel Tunnel.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has granted permission for Virgin Group, led by Sir Richard Branson, to access and utilize the Temple Mills site for train maintenance and storage. This move comes after Virgin Group’s absence from UK train operations following the expiration of its contract for the West Coast Main Line in December 2019. Despite the ORR rejecting Virgin’s application for access services on the West Coast Main Line, the approval for the east London depot signifies a new chapter in international rail competition.
Martin Jones of the ORR emphasized the importance of customer choice and competition in the international rail sector, highlighting the potential for up to £700 million in private sector investment and growth opportunities. While the launch of new services will require further development, the ORR expressed readiness to collaborate with Virgin Trains as plans progress.
Sir Richard Branson commented on the ORR’s decision, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to consumers and the opportunity to introduce Virgin’s service quality to the cross-Channel route. Rail minister Lord Hendy also welcomed the decision, noting that it will enhance passenger options, value, and connectivity for millions of travelers. Plans are underway to explore additional depot capacity in the UK to support market needs and promote competition and growth.
Despite the approval for Virgin Trains, the ORR rejected applications from other companies like Evolyn, Gemini Trains, and Trenitalia to use the Temple Mills depot. Eurostar’s bid to utilize the site’s spare capacity for expansion was also turned down. The Channel Tunnel currently operates at about 50% capacity, accommodating LeShuttle vehicle-carrying trains between Folkestone and Calais.