Hollaway Studio has announced an ambitious plan to transform the UK and French LeShuttle passenger terminals into welcoming, eco-friendly travel hubs, promising a more relaxing and sustainable journey through innovative architecture and green technology.
Architecture firm Hollaway Studio has revealed its ambitious redesign of the UK passenger terminal for LeShuttle’s Channel Tunnel service, promising a fresh, sustainable, and emotionally engaging travel experience. The project will commence in September 2025 with the refurbishment of the Folkestone terminal and later extend to LeShuttle’s Calais terminal in France.
The redesign aims to transform LeShuttle’s terminals from mere transit points into welcoming destinations themselves. Central to this vision is the creation of an intuitive, calming environment that enhances the overall travel experience while incorporating innovative architectural elements. According to Guy Hollaway, principal partner at Hollaway Studio, the goal is to craft an experience that reflects the cutting-edge engineering of the Channel Tunnel infrastructure.
At Folkestone, the refurbished terminal will feature a new check-in area highlighted by a striking swooping canopy, alongside upgraded check-in booths and ticketing zones described as “future-facing.” The terminal will also introduce a food hall and landscaped outdoor spaces designed for travellers bringing pets, broadening the amenities offered and aiming to make the start of a journey more enjoyable and less stressful.
The design of the new facades draws inspiration from the geological layers that allowed the original Tunnel’s construction, creating an architectural dialogue with the Channel Tunnel itself. To promote sustainability, the project will prioritise reusing existing structures where possible and employ prefabricated modules to streamline the building process. Furthermore, solar panels are planned to cover the entire roof of both the passenger terminal buildings and the new canopy, underlining a strong commitment to green energy.
LeShuttle has emphasised that operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the refurbishment. The installation of the new check-in canopy will be carried out in phases to ensure ongoing service. The UK terminal update is scheduled for completion before the end of 2026, after which work will shift to the Calais terminal.
LeShuttle’s Chief Commercial Officer, Deborah Merrens, described this redevelopment as a pivotal moment for the brand. She stressed that the overhaul is part of a 30-year vision focused on improving ease, enjoyment, and environmental responsibility. “The terminal is the first thing customers see, and we want to switch them into holiday mode from the very first step,” Merrens said.
Hollaway Studio’s reputation for innovative and thoughtful design extends beyond this project. The firm has previously completed unique projects such as the world’s first multi-storey skatepark and a futuristic bicycle factory for Brompton, showcasing its ability to blend creativity with functional architecture.
The overhaul of LeShuttle’s terminals represents a significant investment in both passenger experience and sustainability, aligning infrastructure with contemporary environmental and behavioural expectations while respecting the historic significance of the Channel Tunnel.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, dated 9 September 2025, and has not appeared elsewhere. The project is set to commence in September 2025, indicating timely reporting.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Guy Hollaway and Deborah Merrens are unique to this narrative, with no prior online matches found. This suggests original reporting.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Dezeen, a reputable architecture and design publication, enhancing its credibility. The report is detailed and aligns with Dezeen’s typical content.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about Hollaway Studio’s redesign of LeShuttle terminals are plausible and align with known architectural trends. The focus on sustainability and passenger experience is consistent with industry practices.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and from a reputable source. The claims are plausible and align with industry practices, with no signs of disinformation.
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