YORK Model Railway is quitting its traditional home at the city’s railway station for larger premises in Lincolnshire.

Station operator East Coast says it is looking for a new tenant to take over the former tea room building in Tea Room Square, and hopes it can be restored to its former glory.

Tim Hedley-Jones, property and projects director, said he hoped the character and charm of the building would generate interest from potential businesses.

“The premises are particularly suitable for a restaurant, bar or other food and drink outlet,” he said.

He revealed East Coast had been in discussion with the Railway Heritage Trust, which had made a principal funding contribution towards the restoration and redevelopment of the building.

Trust director Andy Savage said the model railway exhibition had hidden but not damaged the building’s “superb interior”.

An East Coast spokesman said, after many years at the station, the model railway was moving to Hemswell Cliff near Gainsborough, to where it would transfer its working miniature sized railway models, including Rail Riders World and the extended Museum of Model Transport.

He said the model railway shop would remain open until February 28, although the exhibition space closed for business on New Year’s Eve.