Camden set to approve tunnels redevelopment

Camden Council is set to approve the redevelopment of the Kingsway Tunnels at a planning meeting this week, a project that will transform the tunnels that run below High Holborn into a leisure attraction with two exhibition spaces and a bar. Planning officers have recommended the planning committee votes to approve the Tunnel Company’s scheme, which would run between entrances at 31-33 High Holborn, WC1, and 38-41 Furnival Street, EC4. The City of London Corporation approved the scheme last month.  The tunnels will be split into three main parts: the first will be referred to as the “streets” the second as the “avenues” and the third “the bar”. The “streets” would host a permanent heritage exhibition focused on the history of the tunnels. The attraction is designed to accommodate a peak occupancy of 750 visitors. The “avenues” would function as temporary exhibition space for cultural events. The bar would be open from 10am until 1am. Camden’s planning officers said the proposed scheme could attract up to 2.4m visitors annually, and would provide employment and economic benefits, adding: “The tunnels as a visitor and cultural attraction would enhance the role and character of the Holborn central London frontage, contributing to its success and vibrancy.” The officers also emphasised the project would minimise carbon use on site, achieving a total carbon reduction of 41.4% beyond part L regulation. Image from City of London Corporation