Virgin Trains has received approval from the Office of Rail and Road to utilize Eurostar’s east London train depot, marking a significant step towards launching international services through the Channel Tunnel. This decision breaks Eurostar’s long-standing monopoly on Channel services, dating back to its inception in 1994. The regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), granted Virgin Group access to the Temple Mills site for train maintenance and storage.
Virgin Group, led by Sir Richard Branson, has been absent from UK train operations since the expiration of Virgin Trains’ contract for the West Coast Main Line in December 2019. The ORR had previously declined Virgin’s application to operate access services on key routes like London, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester.
Martin Jones from the ORR emphasized that the decision supports customer choice and competition in the international rail sector, unlocking potential private sector investments of up to £700 million. While new services are not yet operational, the ORR is prepared to collaborate with Virgin Trains as their plans progress.
Sir Richard Branson expressed satisfaction with the ORR’s ruling, highlighting the benefits for consumers and the opportunity to introduce Virgin’s innovative approach to the cross-Channel route. Rail minister Lord Hendy welcomed the decision, anticipating improved choices, value, and connectivity for passengers. Plans are underway to establish additional depot capacity in the UK through private investments to foster competition and growth.
Despite the tunnel’s underutilization at around 50% capacity, accommodating both Eurostar and LeShuttle services, the ORR rejected depot access requests from Evolyn, Gemini Trains, and Trenitalia. Eurostar’s bid to leverage spare capacity at the Temple Mills depot for expansion was also unsuccessful.