Eurostar set for competition as Virgin Trains granted Temple Mills rail depot access rights

"Although Eurostar owns the depot, under UK and EU-derived rail legislation, key railway infrastructure must be made available on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. This includes maintenance depots if they are considered essential facilities. As Temple Mills is currently the only British railway depot accessible to (high-speed) trains with the larger continental European loading gauge, it's classed as essential for international rail services, so the rail regulator can issue an order to Eurostar to provide shared access."

"To avoid the complexity of building their own depot, potential competitors had been lobbying for access to Temple Mills, while Eurostar was lobbying to prevent it, arguing that there wasn't enough space to rent. However, a recent report by the rail regulator found that there is spare capacity at the depot, allowing at least one more company to share the space."

"The ORR has now decided that, overall, Virgin Trains' plans are more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants, and that it provides clear evidence of investor backing and an agreement in principle to deliver the necessary and appropriate rolling stock. The decision is expected to unlock plans for around £700mn of investment in new services and the creation of 400 new jobs."

ORR approved Virgin Trains' application to share Eurostar's Temple Mills depot near Stratford, while rejecting applicants Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia. Temple Mills is the only British depot accessible to high-speed trains built to the continental loading gauge, making it essential for international services and subject to fair, non-discriminatory access rules. ORR found spare capacity at the depot and judged Virgin Trains' plans more financially and operationally robust, with investor backing and an agreement to provide appropriate rolling stock. Eurostar must provide shared access and may charge fairly. The decision could unlock around £700m investment and create 400 jobs. Several procedural steps remain before services can start.

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