There is an eerie silence in a shopping centre beneath London Waterloo, the station from which Eurostar trains once whisked people from the capital to mainland Europe.
A "long, airport-style departure lounge houses all the usual shops: WHSmith, Upper Crust, Tie Rack", the Daily Mail approvingly said of the "customer-friendly terminal".In 2003, celebrities including Ulrika Jonsson, Anthea Turner and Sir Stirling Moss were on hand to help launch Eurostar's "express" service linking Waterloo and Gare du Nord stations.
In recent years, platforms 20 to 24 started hosting South West Railway trains serving destinations such as Reading, Bracknell and Winnersh. It is Waterloo International no more. "Cleanest toilets on the railway system," remarks one online commenter, ruling out hygiene issues as a possible explanation.
Nigel Crainey, chief operations and transformation officer at LCR, said: "The Sidings is a unique new experience-led destination in the heart of one of London's busiest transport hubs.
Such a shame that all that money being wasted
That's because nobody knows there are shops there? First time I hear about it and been living in London for the last 12 years
This what the gov want everybody being good little people and stay in your homes
Rents in all shops in London going up. I’m closing mine as new landlord wants a 60% increase
I surpose rents 2 high. Y don't they lower rents , then they would get something. When I say lower I mean lower .
Better promotion would help.
Working from home and regular train strikes can't help.
Rip out the shops turn it into a commuter village.
You'd wonder why LondonWaterloo isn't using this? Rent is probably way to much.
Popped there with itsastroniks to have a look. There were more cleaners working than shoppers! At least Costa was open (but without a single customer!).
Had absolutely idea there had EVER been a shopping centre under Waterloo, I’ve lived here 21 years!
Very sad for a bustling city like London 🇬🇧 Maybe they're all shopping in Lower Marsh market? 😁
No doubt rent prices will have something to do with it too.