Eurotunnel expects a sales boost at the Folkestone passenger terminal following an £800,000 facelift.

The Channel Tunnel operator believes the newly-named Victor Hugo Terminal will increase retail and food court revenue by 30%.

The 20-year old building at Cheriton has been refurbished and improved to give passengers travelling on Le Shuttle a better experience and, Eurotunnel hopes, encourage them to spend more before boarding the train.

It is another weapon in the battle for cross-Channel passengers with rival ferry operators which have invested in new ships and improved on-board facilities.

Around 10 million passengers make the 30-minute Le Shuttle crossing to Calais each year. Eurotunnel, which has worked with retailer World Duty Free on the project, says the refurbished terminal matches the highest international airport standards while also cutting water and energy consumption.

The entrances and toilet areas have also been improved to increase the ease of access for disabled passengers.

Jo Willacy, Eurotunnel’s commercial director, said: “This newly-refurbished terminal building is a mark of Eurotunnel’s commitment to improving the customer experience and a demonstration of our confidence in the health of the cross-Channel self-drive market.”