Virgin Group is a step closer to launching a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, after getting the go-ahead to use a rail depot in East London.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said today that Virgin can use the Temple Mills International rail depot, while Virgin has also confirmed its investment partners in the new cross-Channel venture.
Virgin plans to run services from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal from 2030. It also wants to expand further across France, and into Germany and Switzerland.
If either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International station are reopened in Kent, Virgin will also stop there, and it is working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to explore how to make this happen.
Earlier this year, Virgin confirmed an exclusive agreement with global train manufacturer Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream trains. Alstorm built the Class 390 Pendolino trains that were operated by Virgin Trains on the UK’s West Coast Main Line.
Infrastructure investor Equitix will fund the trains. Virgin Group will lead the funding of the operating company alongside Equitix and private equity firm Azzurra Capital.
Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss said: “The cross-Channel market is underserved and represents a fantastic opportunity for Virgin to bring greater value and service to customers, not just in the UK and France, but across the wider European network too.
“We are pleased to be working with two exceptional and experienced investment partners in Equitix and Azzurra Capital. Together, this consortium will build a new business that does what Virgin does best – disrupt and challenge the status quo.”
Leading the project for Virgin Group is Phil Whittingham, former Managing Director at Virgin Trains.
Phil said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail.
“Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.”
