Transport for London (TfL) is looking for creative proposals to reopen one of its ‘ghost stations’ to the public.
Down Street Tube station is one of seven underground stations identified by architects Carmody Groarke as having potential to be turned into a commercially viable business.
Down Street opened on the Great Northern Piccadilly & Brompton Railway on March 15, 1907, and closed on May 22, 1932, because of lack of use. During the Second World War, the station was used by by Sir Winston Churchill and the War Cabinet.
Despite being closed for more than 80 years, the Down Street is still used by TfL and the lease agreement would only cover part of the station.
TfL believes the reopening of its disused stations could generate £3.4 billion in non-fare revenue.
Graeme Craig, TfL’s director of commercial development, said: “The combination of space, history, and location, makes this a unique opportunity. We are looking for a partner with the imagination to see the potential here and the capability to deliver it.
“Adjoining parts of the station are still required for running the Tube, but we will work with interested parties to ensure the commercial and operational activities can happily coexist.”
