From ianVisits
The tube trains are functioning offices.
However, while the idea of working in a tube train may sound
delightful, they can be punishingly cold in winter, and roasting
hot in the summer months. Access is also only possible via a
narrow spiral
staircase.
People working in them also have a habit of repeatedly banging
their heads on the old hand grips that were once used by
passengers hoping to avoid falling over. The trains
themselves are four ex-Jubilee line models, purchased for just
£100 when the Jubilee line opened with shiny new trains.
However, it was to take three years of planning applications
before they were eventually craned up to their new home, sitting
on top of old railway sleepers. Overall, the project
ended up costing nearer to £10,000.
Two sit raised up higher on a modern cabin office block, with the lower two being more arty and covered in paintwork, with a small garden space. It is raised up higher on a modern cabin office block, with the lower two being more arty and covered in paintwork, with a small garden space.
The spaces themselves are generally rented out to the more creative sorts, and there is a strong sense of community built up, as exemplified by the garden space, and old bbq in the corner. Two of the trains have drivers cabs, although one is sealed off — so obviously, any visitor will want to sit in the cab and pretend to be about to drive a tube train off the end of a railway viaduct
Access for the public is very restricted. Apart from the physical difficulty, these are working offices, and they can’t let people just casually wander around. So don’t be one of the many people who regularly buzz the bell asking for a look around. The site may be open next year, for Open House Weekend.
