Disused Tube Stations May Be Opened For Business

Some of London's disused Tube stations could be opened to the public for the first time in decades as the city's transport bosses try to raise funds for rebuilding work.

Transport for London is looking for investors to work with them after they identified seven former stations that could be turned into bars, restaurants, clubs or art galleries.

One such station is Down Street, which closed in May 1932 after 25 years as a Tube station.

Its close proximity to Green Park and Hyde Park Corner stations meant not enough people used it.

Winston Churchill held secret meetings there in the early 1940s.

Graeme Craig from Transport for London said: "This is a unique opportunity for the right investor with the most commercially viable idea.

"It's a wonderful location and the history to this particular station is amazing.

"Churchill and his ministers met down here in the early stages of World War Two.

"And it's slap bang in the heart of Mayfair."

The air inside Down Street is dank and the ground is dusty.

Every now and then a Piccadilly line train rumbles nearby.

It is a spooky atmosphere, but with the right investment it could be a fascinating location for a new business.

Mr Craig added: "It's an exciting opportunity for the right investor.

"We will work with them and help them to make the most of this fantastic space.

"We've had a lot of interest already and now we're opening the process out.

"It's going to be very interesting to see who comes here and starts their business."

It is hoped Down Street could be revamped by 2017.