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 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.

    The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels were originally built as air-raid shelters during the German bombing campaigns of World War II and were completed in 1942. However, by then, the bombing campaigns had ended, and the tunnels were never used for their intended purpose. Actually, their true significance emerged only later. In 1944, they were repurposed as a spy headquarters where Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, worked for the Naval Intelligence Service. The tunnels' connection to espionage adds a unique allure to the planned attraction, inviting visitors to explore a world filled with history, mystery, and wartime secrets. Post-war, the tunnels were expanded and became a top-secret communication center during the Cold War.

    The tunnels have remained largely inaccessible to the public since the 1980s. The project aims to offer 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. "One of the most thrilling global destinations," said Murray, envisioning the project as offering a unique journey through London's wartime past.

Adapted from https://www.jpost.com/omg/viral-news-from-the-web/article-840940