Forgotten Tube stations to be transformed into pleasure palaces

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12 April 2012

A London entrepreneur today revealed plans to open 26 disused Tube stations and tunnels as tourist attractions and conference centres.

Former banker Ajit Chambers has lined up £10million and more in pledges to launch The Old London Underground Company.

Some disused stations, including Aldwych, which closed in 1994 and has been a location for TV programmes such as Spooks and films including Harry Potter, are still occasionally used but most lie empty.

Mr Chambers aims to transform derelict tunnels, shelters and stations with plans that he said "won't cost London a penny, but will bring in £200 million in investment and revenues".

The project needs approval from Transport for London but Mayor Boris Johnson has said of the scheme: "It is brilliant. I love it."

Dozens of companies have approached Mr Chambers to discuss renting the renovated spaces, including an entertainment group that wants to make an underground museum of a miniature Europe, and Kevin Spacey, the actor and Old Vic's artistic director.

Other interested parties include a company which wants a disused station for a form of rock climbing and energy firm EDF, which needs space to house infrastructure. Other requests were for places to stage theatre shows, weddings and conferences.

Mr Chambers said: "One company, Miniature Wunderland, is looking at the deep BT Holborn complex, which was built in the Forties as an air raid shelter, and has since been used by MI6 to run the telephones system that ran from the Kremlin to the White House in the Cold War.

"The exchange equipment is still down there. There are four 100-metre empty tunnels. It takes an hour to walk around the whole space.

"Another derelict site is right outside Stockwell station. It was used to house 2,000 American troops on their way back home after the Second World War. I think this will be a good site for a nightclub or conference hall."

Mr Chambers's business plan is being scrutinised at City Hall. He added: "I do not want any money from Londoners for the scheme - I am here to create money. We are ready to go tomorrow, just as soon as the Mayor gives us the go ahead."

A TfL spokeswoman said: "Our priority has to be the Tube upgrades that will be of benefit to millions of Londoners. However, we have agreed to meet Mr Chambers later this month to look at his latest proposition."

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