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Case Study Background
Lancaster Station is a listed building on the West Coast main line between London and Glasgow. The station serves the heritage city of Lancaster and its vibrant University.
Reflecting this heritage, ‘Tite & Locke’ is named after the architect William Tite who designed Lancaster railway station in the 1800s and Joseph Locke the civil engineer who established what came to be the West Coast Main Line.
AmeyTPT Input
- As part of a review into unutilised accommodation on stations Amey TPT identified the opportunity to convert derelict rooms on platform 3 into a pub back in 2017 but there were many challenges to overcome before the first pint was poured.
- TPT approached Lancaster Brewery to operate a ‘local hero’ bar at the station to showcase local produce. Network Rail agreed to invest in a refurbishment of the building to improve the condition and value of the station asset. The Railway Heritage Trust were also able to support the refurbishment of specific heritage features with a grant of £19,000.
- When pandemic hit Lancaster Brewery were forced to close their doors without any guarantee of when they might be able to reopen. At this point it was uncertain whether the letting would proceed. First Group and Avanti were keen to support the venture and instructed AmeyTPT to revisit the rental terms with Lancaster Brewery to reflect the changed commercial landscape created by the pandemic.
- A lease was agreed on terms that would allow the pub time to establish itself whilst the hospitality and travel industries emerged from the long shadow of the pandemic.
Deliverables
- A significant new retail income has been established
- Previously derelict station buildings have been spectacularly brought back to life as a passenger amenity. There are several restored heritage features, such as fireplaces and window mechanisms in the four interconnected rooms, each with its own individual character
- The Station has become a place for passengers and tourists alike to linger rather than passing through.
- Tite and Locke showcases the full range of locally produced Lancaster Brewery beers.
- Accessible from the exterior of the station as well as from the platform Tite and Locke has been a hit with the local community as well as the travelling public, putting the station firmly at the heart of the local community.
