Virgin has taken a major step forward in its plan to launch a competitor to Eurostar services. The company, owned by billionaire Sir Richard Branson, has been granted access to share Eurostar's Temple Mill international depot in east London.

The decision, made by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), allows Virgin to maintain and store trains as part of its preparations to operate cross-border services via the Channel Tunnel. Sir Richard described the approval as “the big hurdle that we had to get through” in the process.

While depot access is a significant milestone, Virgin still requires further regulatory approvals, including track access and a safety go-ahead, before it can start international operations. The company aims to operate services between London St Pancras and the city centres of Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, and is also in discussions with Charles de Gaulle Airport to offer trains there. Sir Richard said he hoped to recommence occasional services between London and Disneyland Paris, which Eurostar stopped running in 2023.

The ORR said the announcement was a win for passengers, customer choice, and economic growth. “Virgin Trains' plans were more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants, and it provided clear evidence of investor backing and an agreement in principle to deliver the necessary and appropriate rolling stock,” the regulator added. Sir Richard noted that the introduction of competition on the high-speed line would help bring down prices, breaking a monopoly that has existed since 1994.

Despite accommodating LeShuttle vehicle-carrying trains, the Channel Tunnel is currently only used at around 50% capacity.

Image: Virgin Trains