The rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has approved Virgin Trains’ application for access to the crucial Temple Mills International depot in a decision that paves the way for future cross-border train services through the Channel Tunnel.
The ORR’s decision is described as a major step that unlocks plans for around £700 million of private sector investment in new international rail services and the creation of 400 new jobs. This marks a significant win for passenger choice, competition, and economic growth.
With this approval, Virgin Trains can now be confident it will have access to the light maintenance facilities essential for running its planned international routes. The company aims to begin running services in 2030.
In its decision letter today, the ORR set out its approval for Virgin Trains while rejecting similar applications from rival operators Evolyn, Gemini, and Trenitalia.
The regulator, informed by independent analysis and having considered Eurostar’s growth plans, determined that Virgin Trains has the strongest prospects of making the best use of capacity at Temple Mills.
“With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700mn in private sector investment and stimulating growth. While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”
Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access and International, further stated that Virgin Trains’ plans were “more financially and operationally robust” than those of other applicants. The company provided clear evidence of investor backing and an “agreement in principle to deliver the necessary and appropriate rolling stock.”
Next Steps and Stakeholder Views
The ORR carefully weighed its legal duties to reach this decision, considering the views of stakeholders and the economic benefits of the plans.
The prospect of competition on the High Speed 1 line was welcomed by many stakeholders, who expect it to increase choice for passengers. Some also wrote concerning the reopening of stations in Kent. However, the ORR clarified that its decision strictly concerns access to Temple Mills.
The regulator noted:
“ORR’s decision today however strictly concerns access to Temple Mills; it does not, and ORR cannot, require Virgin Trains to run specific services or stop them from changing what destinations they plan to serve.”
A number of steps must be completed before the new international services can commence. Virgin Trains must now:
- Enter into a commercial agreement with Eurostar, the current operator of Temple Mills.
- Secure necessary finance.
- Obtain access to track and stations.
- Gain safety approvals from the ORR and relevant authorities in the EU.
