Ajit Chambers, the man who wants to turn London’s ghost stations into tourist attractions, is planning to launch a legal battle against TfL for “theft of intellectual property”.
In May this year, TfL opened a tender for converting Down Street station into an “an extraordinary world of unexplored and untapped potential, right beneath the surface of the most diverse, vibrant and exciting city in the world”.
However, Chambers’ bid through his firm, The Old London Underground Company, was ruled out of the bidding process. He was later invited to address his concerns but he decided not to participate in discussions.
Chambers alleges that he presented “the design of a tourist attraction into Mayfair’s Down Street ‘ghost’ station” to TfL in good faith. But now he’s suing TfL for “attempting to steal his Intellectual Property – including the company name”.
Chambers also claims that he has proof that TfL gave him “inappropriate access” ahead of the bidding process.
He told London Loves Business: “I have proof TfL gave me exclusive access to the sites and surveys. I was also called by the Mayor’s Office after refusing to put in my bid because of the manipulation of the bidding process.”
A TfL spokesman told The Telegraph: “We’ve had a fantastic response from a variety of companies following our search for a partner to transform Down Street disused station.
“We have evaluated the submissions we received, and have shortlisted a company as our potential partner.
“Although Mr Chambers may be disappointed with our decision, we have held an open and fair procurement process.
“We will now enter into negotiations with our preferred bidder and hope to make an announcement shortly about the new commercial future of Down Street disused station.”
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