A tunnel that runs under London Bridge station linking the streets on either side of the site has reopened to the public following refurbishment works.
Stainer Street was a dark road that runs under London Bridge station with two very narrow pedestrian paths and was mostly used by road traffic. Despite its unpromising appearance, it was, and is, a very useful cut-through to get from one side of the station to the other without going all the way around.
As part of the recent upgrade works, the space beside it was converted into the new passenger area, and the path to the Underground would pass right through the middle of the road.
Not viable, so it’s been converted into a new pedestrian tunnel.
The tunnel was supposed to be open 24 hours per day, but as was noted by SE1, it will in fact close between 1.30am and 4.30am for security reasons and to allow servicing to take place.
The old dirt and soot has been cleaned away and they’ve left in the detailing of replacement brickworks and repairs over its century of use.
What slightly elevate the tunnel though are a work of art and a series of historical plaques.
The art, by South London based artist Mark Titchner is a series of glass “umbrellas” hanging from the ceiling, most of which are decoratively lit from above and are engraved with meaningful inscriptions which are meant to inspire, but are actually quite a pain to stop and read.
However, running along the walls are a series of plaques showing four of the key stages in London Bridge station’s development from small terminus to the huge groundscraper that it is today.
Further down, a memory to a darker time, when the tunnel was used as an air raid shelter, but was hit by a bomb in 1941 killing 68 people.
At the Southern end, glass doors have been added, and at a slight angle to the rest of the tunnel, leading to a series of very nondescript arches. So easy to overlook that they are almost encouraging people to use the station entrance next door instead.
Well it’s a lot nicer than the old road. I like the old railway layouts, not one for the 60s redevelopment?
It all looks very nice, yes, I’d just prefer if the money was spent on improving services. Actually, Bermondsey, just up the line is a busy area, not well linked by rail. Despite Spa Rd station being the first London terminal, it closed years ago. It has the jubilee line, but it would be great if Bermondsey Spa Rd mainline could be reopened.
Unfortunately there’s no room in the timetable for Spa Road to re-open, nor Southwark Park Road…
It looks and is amazing. I spent 5 years on the station redevelopment before I retired 18 months ago. The team were the very best and the project was one of the most complex undertaken in the city in recent years. Worth a visit.
When you hear complaints about HS2 and Euston Station you should tell them to visit London Bridge Station and see how years of disruption pay off in the end with far better Station facilities and rail infrastructure.
In fact London Bridge Station is only part of the upgrading given new Bermondsey dive under which is built like a motorway with railway tracks and I reckon similar infrastructure will be built outside Euston Station for both HS2 and WCML upgrades during next decade!
It does look very nice. Want to go to London Bridge and to explore it.
I*
Looks absolutely lovely!
This is NOT stainer street. It was Weston street which still continues to the south. Stainer street is the next arch to the west.
Nope – Weston Street is further to the east.
Will inevitably become a Dr Who filming location. Cybermen or some other baddies marching up the tunnel battling the SAS? Gotta happen hasn’t it?
Will inevitably become a Dr Who filming location. Cybermen or some other baddies marching up the tunnel battling hapless, under-armed SAS? You can just see it, can’t you?
Really interesting Ian – thanks once again. I use London Bridge Station regularly but didn’t know about this.
I do not understand why a overall roof that was over the Southern (Brighton) platforms was not restored over all the main platforms. With 3rd rail electric there is no need for opening above the tracks. Now the rain snow & wind just blow in.
The rest is good