Kent-based architectural firm Hollaway Studio has unveiled comprehensive designs for a major overhaul of the LeShuttle terminals that serve the cross-channel vehicle and passenger rail service through the Channel Tunnel. The ambitious renovation project will transform both the Folkestone and Calais terminals over the next five years, with off-site preparatory work already underway in Folkestone and on-site construction scheduled to begin in October.
The Folkestone terminal will receive a completely reimagined check-in area and a new sloping canopy structure, with completion expected by the end of 2026. Both terminals will undergo full refurbishment as part of the five-year modernization program. According to the architectural practice, the design aims to modernize the facilities while transforming them from purely functional spaces into more emotionally engaging and customer-focused environments.
The renovation will include several key improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience. A landscaped outdoor pet area will be added to accommodate travelers with animals, while the food hall will be completely redesigned to offer a more welcoming atmosphere. The check-in system will be upgraded and enhanced with better weather protection for passengers. These changes reflect a shift toward making the terminals more than just transit points.
Guy Hollaway, principal partner at the firm, explained the vision behind the project: "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." This approach represents a fundamental rethinking of how transportation hubs can serve passengers.
Sustainability plays a central role in the renovation plans. Solar panels will be installed across the entire roof of the new canopy and terminal buildings, significantly reducing the facilities' environmental impact. The new façades will feature design elements that echo the geological strata that made the original tunnel construction possible, creating a visual connection to the engineering marvel beneath the English Channel.
The existing terminal building was completed in 1994, the same year the first passenger and freight shuttles began operating through the Channel Tunnel. The facility serves as the central hub for managing all Channel Tunnel traffic and has been operating continuously for three decades. The renovation represents the most significant upgrade to the terminals since their original construction.
Construction work will be carefully staged to ensure that LeShuttle operations continue without interruption throughout the renovation period. This logistical challenge requires precise coordination to maintain the service that millions of passengers and vehicles depend on each year for cross-channel travel.
Deborah Merrens, LeShuttle's chief commercial officer, emphasized the long-term vision behind the project: "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." The renovation represents a significant investment in the future of cross-channel travel, positioning the service for continued success in the coming decades.
