TfL plays down reports that ‘ghost’ underground stations could be transformed

Transport for London (TfL) has played down reports that London’s ‘ghost’ underground stations are set to be transformed into tourist attractions or even hotels. 

According to the Evening Standard, TfL, which currently owns 750 of the abandoned tunnels, is currently in talks over whether to invite construction firms to bid for the sites. The idea was first proposed by former Barclays executive Ajit Chambers, who estimates the ghost stations to be worth £3.6bn.

A spokesperson for TfL told Hotel Owner it is “too early to say” whether these sites could be leased to hotels and that there would be some “operational constraints” on any proposal.

One of the stations believed to be involved in the rejuvenation plans is the 107-year-old Aldwych Station which was used to hide the National Gallery’s collection during the First World War and the British Museum artefacts during the Second World War.

However, while TfL has disputed reports that these sites are for sale, it is reported as saying they could be leased.

A statement from Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL, said: “We have a small number of disused stations across our network. In practice, they are still part of our operational railway, and we have no intention of selling them.

“We are looking into whether parts of any of the sites could be leased to innovative businesses which could bring in additional revenue to be reinvested into the transport network.”