ORR approves Virgin Trains' access to Temple Mills depot

Depot access is a precondition for Virgin's planned Channel Tunnel services from 2030 between London St Pancras and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam; according to the ORR it clears the way for about £700 million (€796 million) of investment and 400 new jobs. A commercial agreement with Eurostar, financing, track access and safety approvals are still required before launch.

The Office of Rail and Road has granted Virgin Trains access to the light-maintenance facilities at the Eurostar-run Temple Mills depot in East London and turned down the applications from Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia, finding Virgin's plans financially and operationally stronger, with investor backing and an agreement in principle on rolling stock. Virgin plans to start in 2030 with services from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, later extending to France, Germany and Switzerland; it intends to buy 12 Alstom Avelia Stream trains financed by Equitix, while Virgin leads the financing of the operating company together with Equitix and Azzurra Capital. Virgin says it will also call at Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International in Kent if either station reopens (LOK Report, 31 Oct 2025).