London-Paris High-Speed Rail: ORR Approval Drives Investment & Jobs

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Introduction

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved an application for access to Temple Mills International depot in London, a move expected to unlock approximately GBP 700 million in investment and up to 400 jobs, paving the way for new cross-border rail services.

Access Approval and Investment

The ORR approved the application for access to Temple Mills on October 30. This decision will facilitate the introduction of new cross-border services and stimulate growth. The GBP 700 million investment is from the private sector.

Operational and Regulatory Requirements

The approved applicant must finalize a commercial agreement with Eurostar, the current operator of Temple Mills, and obtain track access rights, safety certification, and cross-border authorizations from both UK and EU regulators. The ORR’s decision solely concerns access to Temple Mills and does not specify service details, although stops at Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International in Kent are planned if either station reopens for international services.

Rolling Stock and Service Details

The operator has signed an exclusive agreement with Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains for the new service. It aims to launch services between London St Pancras, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with further expansion planned into Germany and Switzerland. The new services are set to start operations by 2030, coinciding with upgrades to the High Speed 1 corridor and the wider European high-speed network. Equitix and Azzurra Capital are investment partners, with Equitix funding the train fleet.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The introduction of a new operator on the Channel Tunnel route marks a historic moment for European passenger rail. The move is expected to promote lower-emission alternatives to air transport and align with the UK and EU’s net-zero ambitions. The project’s GBP 700 million investment is anticipated to generate economic benefits, including supply chain growth and high-skilled employment. The ORR’s decision follows stakeholder interest in expanding access to the High Speed 1 network and enhancing international connectivity.