THE service that runs through the Eurotunnel has announced a massive five-year transformation to its terminals.
LeShuttle, which operates a car shuttle service on the rail tunnel under the sea between the UK and France, has announced that it will be transforming both its UK and French terminals over the next five years.
LeShuttle is currently the fastest way of crossing the Channel by vehicle, taking only 35 minutes from Folkestone in the UK and heading to Calais, France.
Both Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs) will be fully refurbished, with transformed ticketing areas and new features.
Construction will start at the UK terminal this month, to create a new canopy and check-in area.
Work is then set to be complete before the end of next year.
The terminals have been designed by Hollaway Studio and will include a new landscaped outdoor pet area, a redesigned food hall, more green spaces with seating area and better check-in and ticket processes.
Deborah Merrens, chief commercial officer at LeShuttle, said: “This is a significant moment for LeShuttle.
“We are setting ourselves up for the next 30 years by completely rethinking the arrival experience, focusing on ease, enjoyment and a greener future.
“The terminal is the first thing customers see, and we want to switch them into holiday mode from the very first step.”
Guy Hollaway, principal partner at Hollaway Studio, added: “Our vision was to reimagine LeShuttle not just as a point of departure, but as a destination in its own right – an intuitive, calming environment that enhances the travel experience and reflects the innovation behind this extraordinary infrastructure.”
According to LeShuttle, the vision will make a “more emotionally engaging and customer-centric experience that shapes exceptional journeys”.
Overall, the new terminals will aim to have smarter layouts to reduce stress and create a better flow.
In addition to the new features, the terminals will have a focus on sustainability with solar panels being installed on the roof of the arrival canopy and Passenger Terminal Buildings.
Construction will be phased to ensure services are not disrupted and will include temporary structures for weather protection.
Merrens added: “We’re proud to be creating a space that works for today’s travellers and anticipates tomorrow’s – from families and pet owners to business users and EV drivers.
“It’s a major step forward for the brand, and one we’re excited to bring to life.”
The upgrades have been announced ahead of new travel rules being introduced across Europe next month.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be launched on October 12, set to impact Brits travelling away for the half-term holidays.