London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London’s WWII-era tunnels, once used by military intelligence and said to inspire James Bond, will transform into a major tourist spy museum by 2028.
Ian Fleming, author of the Bond novels, worked with Churchill’s intelligence unit 30 metres beneath London during his military service.
The Kingsway Exchange tunnels, covering 8,000 sq metres beneath High Holborn near Chancery Lane station, housed the Special Operations Executive and inspired Fleming’s Q Branch.
The project to reinstate the wartime subterranean network will include a permanent exhibit on the history of military intelligence and espionage.
How will the new London Tunnels attraction bring history to life?
The Military Intelligence Museum is collaborating with the London Tunnels company to create a new high-tech visitor attraction. The site will show real artefacts, tools, weapons, and documents using modern technology. This £220 million project is planned to open in 2028 and will give visitors a special and engaging way to learn about history.
The tunnels’ construction began in 1940 to shield Londoners during the Blitz, but completion did not come until 1942. As a result, the tunnels never served their intended purpose. A large staircase remains, providing access from Chancery Lane tube station, though this entrance has been blocked for decades.
London Tunnels’ stance on their 2027-28 development plans
The London Tunnels revealed that work is scheduled to start in 2027, with completion expected in 2028.
The attraction aims to welcome 3 million visitors each year, helping to revitalize an area near the City of London that has seen reduced foot traffic since the Covid pandemic.
What did Gen Sir Jim Hockenhull say about the new military intelligence exhibition?
According to Gen Sir Jim Hockenhull, who leads Strategic Command and serves as colonel commandant of the Intelligence Corps, the venue will host the world’s most complete permanent military intelligence exhibition. He highlighted its role in providing insight into the field’s past, present, and future.
He added,
“The tunnels will provide a dramatic and historic backdrop for an exciting new approach to telling the story of the past, present and future of military intelligence.”
Visitors will explore tales from the Battle of Britain and D-Day and the remarkable espionage efforts during the Cold War. The display will include the Falklands War, peacekeeping roles, and modern-day terrorist challenges. A special section, developed by the museum, will honour the work of the SOE.
What did Angus Murray say about the historic role of the London tunnels?
Angus Murray, the chief executive of London Tunnels, stated,
“The tunnels, built and designed to protect Londoners during the blitz, are the ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable, and untold, stories of the men and women who played a vital role in protecting Britain then, and the role of the armed services protecting Britain today.”
What are the key features of the proposed three-in-one London Tunnels attraction?
The approved plans will transform the site into a three-in-one destination, featuring exhibitions, immersive interactive displays, and a bar. Planning permission has been fully granted. The project seeks to offer both educational value and social engagement under one roof.
Plans include proposed exhibitions on James Bond, Cold War espionage, and a dedicated Blitz memorial. Organisers say the subjects will change periodically to keep the content fresh and engaging.
How did the tunnels serve Britain’s secret operations during war and peace?
Later in the war, the Special Operations Executive used the tunnels to come up with clever plans to fight the Nazis.
Following their wartime use, the tunnels became the Kingsway telephone exchange. Throughout the 1950s, they served as a key internal communications point during the Cold War. An artesian well still exists, created to supply fresh water in case of a nuclear emergency.
London tunnels
- London Underground: 249 miles of tunnels, 272 stations, average speed of 20.5 mph
- Thames Tunnel: First underwater tunnel (1843), 1,300 ft long, 75 ft deep, later converted to a railway
- Lee Tunnel: Deepest in London (75m), 6.9 km long, cost £635M, handles sewage overflow
- Thames Tideway Tunnel: 25 km long, 7.2m wide, cost £5B, reduces sewage spills into the Thames
- Secret Cold War Tunnels: Kingsway Exchange Tunnels stretch under High Holborn, 50+ ft deep, used for telecoms