Isle of Wight train cars to become café and museum
The disused carriages are being given a new lease of life
It's a step up from trolley service for these former Island Line trains as they are given a new lease of life as an eatery.
Plans have been unveiled by Holliers Farm to change the use of the disused train cars from 1938 — which had a previous life on the London Underground — into a cafe/diner and museum with an outside seating area.
The 004 cars from the former stock are already at Holliers Park, in Branstone, set on sleepers and a section of track.
They will add to the tourism offer joining craft stores, the House of Chilli and a woodland walk.
The cars have been stripped of their external paint and will be repainted in the iconic transport red colour.
Internal historic features of the cars, including furniture, brass plates, bolts and rivets will be retained and restored as much as possible.
In a planning statement submitted by agents BCM, further details are revealed about the small kitchen area, which will mainly be used for pre-booked evening meals.
The northern train car will host a small museum.
A raised platform will also be built, allowing disabled access.
The attraction would be open daily, including Sundays and bank holidays, from 8.30am, with the museum closing at 5.30pm and the cafe at 10.30pm.
You can view the plans, 22/00731/FUL, on the council’s planning portal. Comments can be submitted until June 21.