Virgin to challenge Eurostar as it wins bid to share train terminal

Virgin Trains will be able to launch rail services through the Channel Tunnel after the UK’s rail regulator approved its application to share a depot with Eurostar.

The decision means Eurostar’s monopoly on passenger services will be broken for the first time since the tunnel opened in 1994.

Temple Mills rail depot in East London is the only depot in the UK that can accommodate larger trains used in continental Europe and is currently connected to the Cross-Channel line.

Martin Jones, deputy director of Access and International, said: “With this decision, we are supporting customer choice and competition in international rail, enabling up to £700 million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.

“There is still some way to go before the first new services start, but we are ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”

The decision comes after the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) said the depot had enough space to accommodate either an expanded Eurostar fleet or a rival company’s trains, but not both.

Several firms, including Spanish start-up Evolyn, Richard Branson’s Virgin and a partnership between Gemini Trains and Uber, were looking to launch services between London and mainland Europe.

ORR only approved Virgin’s application on Thursday and rejected applications from Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia.