Plans to open up a big warren of Chilly Conflict tunnels underneath central London can proceed after the second of two planning approvals was granted yesterday night.
One of many tunnels (c) DBOX for The London Tunnels
Constructed throughout WWII as shelters from bombs however by no means utilized by the general public, the tunnels have been transformed into deep-level telecoms alternate in the course of the Chilly Conflict. They grew to become somewhat legendary within the subterranean world when particulars about them emerged.
They have been put up on the market in 2008, however no critical bidders emerged till lately when fund supervisor Angus Murray purchased the tunnels with the plans to open them to the general public. The primary entrance will likely be on Furnival Road, reusing an current shaft all the way down to the tunnels with a secondary entrance on Excessive Holborn, primarily for colleges and other people visiting the subterranean bar.
Because the tunnel community is giant sufficient to straddle the boundaries of the Metropolis of London and Camden councils, the brand new proprietor wanted permission from each councils to open the tunnels to the general public.
Tunnel schematic – supply: Planning paperwork
The Metropolis of London authorised its half final month, and yesterday night, Camden Council unanimously authorised its half.
Granting these permissions brings the opening of the London Tunnels to the general public one step nearer.
Angus Murray, Chief Govt Officer, The London Tunnels PLC stated: “We’re happy to have acquired affirmation that this necessary decision was handed right this moment, bringing us one step nearer to realising our plans to develop this traditionally necessary vacationer attraction within the coronary heart of London. London is already broadly recognised as one of the vital visited cities on this planet, and this distinctive growth will solely improve its attraction. We stay up for working with native authorities, residents, heritage organisations and different stakeholders to deliver these tunnels again to life.”
Images of the tunnels in the intervening time – Supply: planning paperwork
Once they open, the tunnels could have a capability of as much as 3 million guests a 12 months, similar to the London Eye or the Tower of London when it comes to customer numbers. The prospectus notes that customer numbers will ramp up over a few years to an estimated 2.25 million by 2029, comfortably greater than they should break even in preserving the tunnels open.
Put a observe in your diaries for 2027 to go to the Chilly Conflict tunnels underneath Holborn.
By the way, one thing amusing got here up within the planning assembly when discussing the scale of the tunnels when it was famous that among the tunnels within the community are so giant that you possibly can drive three double-decker buses down them facet by facet.
Though Councillor Heather Johnson, laughing, puzzled how they’d get three buses down there.
In order that’s your problem to unravel.
This text was printed on ianVisits
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