A vast network of secret underground tunnels beneath central London, constructed during World War II, is set to be transformed into a major tourist attraction by 2028. The London Tunnels project, led by Angus Murray, aims to convert the historic Kingsway Exchange Tunnels into an immersive venue that combines a museum, exhibition space, and entertainment area, commemorating the Blitz and the tunnels' role in British history.
With an estimated cost of £120 million ($149 million), the project seeks to attract up to three million visitors annually. Tickets are expected to cost over £30 ($37), and the attraction could rival visitor numbers of landmarks like the London Eye, which draws more than three million visitors each year. "In London, if one thing works, it's tourism," said Murray, according to The Sun.
The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, located approximately 30 meters below High Holborn and Chancery Lane, extend for 1.6 kilometers. Originally built as air-raid shelters during the German bombing campaigns of World War II, the tunnels were completed in 1942. However, by then, the Blitz had ended, and they were never used for their intended purpose.
In 1944, the tunnels were repurposed as a spy headquarters where Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, worked for the Naval Intelligence Service. This location is believed to have inspired the fictional Q Branch, where Bond receives his specialized equipment. The tunnels' connection to espionage adds a unique allure to the planned attraction.
Post-war, the tunnels were expanded and became the Kingsway Telephone Exchange, a top-secret communication hub during the 1950s and 1960s. They played a vital role during the Cold War, serving as a secure link between Washington and Moscow during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
The subterranean complex also featured amenities for its 200 staff members, including what was then the deepest underground bar in any city. Many historic features, such as old generators, cables, and telecommunication equipment, will be preserved in the new attraction. "Those pieces of equipment would all be retained—much like what WilkinsonEyre did at Battersea—and people would see this original equipment that was inside the tunnels," explained Murray, according to Time Out.
Since being decommissioned in the 1980s, the tunnels have remained largely inaccessible to the public. The London Tunnels project aims to rejuvenate the hidden piece of history, offering an immersive experience that merges historical preservation with modern technology. The attraction is set to include high-resolution immersive screens, interactive activities, hundreds of speakers, and scent-emitting technology to engage visitors fully.
Developers are collaborating with historians, architects, and preservation experts to ensure the tunnels retain their authentic wartime character. "By turning a once-classified wartime site into an accessible, engaging attraction, this project will ensure that the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations," reported Travel And Tour World.
Authorities have approved the renovation plans, and the transformation process will involve extensive renovations, safety enhancements, and the installation of state-of-the-art exhibition technology. The London Tunnels are expected to open to the public by early 2028, inviting visitors to explore a world filled with history, mystery, and wartime secrets.
"One of the most thrilling global destinations," said Murray, envisioning the project as offering a unique journey through London's wartime past, according to The Independent.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.