Subway carriages 'could be transformed into cafes, glamping pods or even saunas'

The carriages are being sold as Glasgow's metro system - the world's third oldest - was given a £200m upgrade.

Connor Gillies

Scotland correspondent @ConnorGillies

Saturday 27 July 2024 03:59, UK

Subway carriages being flogged for £5,000 each could become houses and even a sauna, it has been revealed.

Around 25 carriages from Glasgow subway's 1980s fleet are being sold and gifted after the city's 128-year-old metro system was given a £200m upgrade.

Stadler, the contractor responsible for getting rid of the old-style carriages said interested buyers would only have to cover the flat rate scrappage costs.

The company said charities would have the fees waived, however they would still be responsible for the transport charges.

It is understood interest includes converting the carriages to cafes, offices, glamping pods and even a sauna.

Glasgow subway, which runs in a circle around the city, is the third-oldest system in the world.

Local businessman Stuart Fraser told Paste BN he was interested in snapping up a slice of history as a possible cafe on the outskirts of Glasgow.

He said: "We are less than 10 miles from Glasgow.

"Allowing us to turn this into a seating area, retain as much of the original, internal seats and historic advertising from 43 years ago from when they were manufactured.

"Having something that is a little slice of history that connects with so many people, I think would be an amazing attraction in itself, never mind an escape from the Scottish weather."

Mr Fraser is one of multiple people who are in touch with Stadler.

A spokeswoman told Paste BN: "We have received a few more enquiries, and these are currently under review.

"Should any individual or organisation like to learn more acquiring one, they're advised to contact Stadler no later than the end of August.

"Stadler has received several expressions of interest over recent weeks, and these are all under review."

Rail enthusiast Ben Denton-Cardew said he was answering questions from would-be buyers.

He told Paste BN: "We've had glamping accommodation mooted, we've had offices, we've had girl guides for Scotland saying they'd really like one.

"We've also had a chap who said he would really like to use one as a sauna. Not quite sure how he would do that, but the possibilities are endless."

He added: "I am not making any money out of this. I am only doing this because I really, really like these trains.

"I am hooking up charities and other people who want to have these for their own uses with Stadler to make sure we can give as many of these new homes as possible."

Subway carriages 'could be transformed into cafes, glamping pods or even saunas'

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