The Office of Rail and Road says that Eurostar’s depot in London would be able to accommodate additional trains if required.

Changes to operational and maintenance arrangements to Temple Mills depot would be needed, as well as potential infrastructure alterations.

These changes would mean extra capacity as well as allowing more trains to be stabled and maintained at the depot.

This news follows on from an independent report being commissioned by the ORR after interest grew in providing extra services, especially from Gemini and their plans to bring new trains and extra services to challenge Eurostar’s offering.

Stakeholders are now being asked to provide evidence in support or change of the findings, with evidence being submitted before the 28th April.

“Gemini welcomes that the ORR’s transparent process has determined there is available capacity at Temple Mills International depot and we look forward to working with them as they use their
duties to allocate this capacity.”

Andrew Meaney, Partner at Oxera, and adviser to Gemini Trains

“Finally a green signal for competition. The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line. 

“Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome and we thank the ORR for commissioning this report, which will now unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers. 

“There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge, given its award-winning experience in the train industry and track-record for building globally successful travel brands. We expect to be able to make an announcement very soon. Watch this space!” 

Virgin Group spokesperson