Plans have been submitted by Transport for London for a corner of Brixton tube station to be transformed into an ‘attractive new restaurant’.
Although the works haven’t been officially confirmed, TFL’s property arm, Places for London, has reportedly put in a request to turn a disused part of the station on Electric Lane into a brand-new restaurant. Previously, that section of the station was used by tube staff as a recreational space.
Further details about what exactly that restaurant might be are still very scant. However, the planning documents state that ‘the proposal for change of the rear part of the Brixton Underground station would create an attractive new restaurant in the centre of Brixton.’
We know what you’re thinking: the back of a tube station sounds like a pretty dark and dingy location for a restaurant? According to the documents, the existing shutters will be replaced with new entrance doors and a proper ventilation system will be installed to create a viable space for a full-service restaurant.
While there have been concerns that the project has the potential to increase antisocial behaviour, the documents also state that the restaurant will minimise the risk of attracting antisocial behaviour by not offering takeaways. In fact, TFL claims that the venue would ‘deter existing antisocial behaviour’ by adding another active frontage to the street.
The proposed opening hours are set to be between 10am and 11pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to 12am, Fridays and Saturdays. So late enough to grab a bite to eat on your way home.
The documents state: 'Overall, the proposal for a change of the rear part of Brixton Underground station would create an attractive new restaurant in the centre of Brixton. It would also not have a negative impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.
'The enhanced frontage would improve the appearance of a building which is currently identified to make a negative contribution to the character and appearance of the Brixton conservation area.’
The decision as to whether the works will go ahead is currently under review with Lambeth Council.
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