If I had a spare £5 million ($7.4 millon) I’d definitely buy this mile-long tunnel complex under central London. The Kingsway Tunnels were originally built in 1940 as air-raid shelters for up to 8000 people, but then were used as temporary base for the troops, then as a base for the secret service. Since then, the space has been used as a public record library and a telephone exchange (which connected the Cold War hotline between the presidents of the US and USSR).

The precise location of the tunnels has been a guarded secret since its wartime use, and still is kept under wraps today. They can’t be used as a public venue for health and safety reasons, as only two lifts provide access to the site. The site is fully equipped with electricity, water supply and ventilation equipment.

BT (formerly known as British Telecommunications) is the current owner and has been using the tunnels as storage space in recent years. It doesn’t need the space any more and is looking for a buyer. An overseas billionaire has shown interest in the site, as well as various companies and someone interested in housing a wine collection.

Imagine an entire mile of space to play with; I’d have a gym at one end, a cinema at the other, a music studio setup, and all kinds of fun stuff to keep myself amused. The only problem would be the lack of sunlight (vitamin D?), the noise from ventilation fans, the vibration of the Underground trains, and the dry, hot, stale air. Still, one can dream. (via)

Further reading:

• The New York Times
• BBC News

Written by PJ | Posted in fun

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