Architecture studio WilkinsonEyre has revealed plans to transform London’s Kingsway Exchange tunnels into a unique cultural experience.
The mile-long underground tunnels, originally built in the 1940s to shelter Londoners during the World War II Blitz, will be restored and opened to the public for the first time.
Located 40 metres below High Holborn, the passageways were kept secret for nearly 70 years as part of the UK government’s Official Secrets Act.
As per a statement, the tunnels inspired the fictional research division Q Branch in Ian Fleming‘s James Bond novels.
World’s deepest licensed bar
“WilkinsonEyre are delighted to bring our experience designing visitor destinations to this unrivalled location, in the heart of London, but unknown to most,” said Paul Baker, the studio’s director.
“These secret spaces present the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories that helped shape the 20th century, alongside awe-inspiring digital immersive experiences.”
If the plans are approved, WilkinsonEyre will turn the tunnels into an innovative visitor experience that brings to life their history though high-resolution screens, interactive structures, scent-emitting technology and hundreds of individual acoustic pinpoint speakers.
The tunnels could also host various experiences in collaboration with entertainment businesses, artists, performers and curators, the studio said.
After sheltering Londoners from the WWII Blitz bombing campaign, the tunnels housed the Special Operations Executive, an offshoot of MI6.
Innovative visitor experience
They were then expanded to become the Kingsway telephone exchange, serving as an internal communications exchange during the Cold War in the 1950s.
British Telecom took over the tunnels in the 1980s and created the world’s deepest licensed bar for staff. However, by the late ’80s, telecommunication technology had advanced and the tunnels’ telephone centre was decommissioned.
“The history of the tunnels, along with their scale and location at the intersection of London’s West End and the historic Square Mile, could make them one of the most exciting destinations globally,” says the London Tunnels project website.
“They could also play a key part in helping further bolster the capital’s cultural and heritage offer, attracting up to two million people each year.”
