10 hours ago
Historical monument to be restored at Liverpool's Queensway Tunnel
A celebrated piece of Liverpool's engineering and architectural heritage is making a comeback as work progresses to reinstate the historical Queensway Tunnel monument at its Liverpool the tunnel first opened in 1934, two identical black marble-clad columns stood at either side of the Mersey - one in Liverpool and the other in Birkenhead, which remains in place. The Liverpool monument was lost after being removed due to major road layout council said it was now being "faithfully rebuilt" and its return would mark a "celebration of the city's proud transport history".
Liverpool City Council said the the monument – originally designed in the early 1930s by Herbert Rowse, the architect behind the tunnel – was removed in the 1960s. "The reinstated monument will serve more than a historical function – it is part of a broader plan to create an inviting and accessible space for the public to enjoy," the local authority surrounding area will be enhanced as part of the second phase, designed to "uplift" a prominent part of Liverpool and give people a place to meet up.
Councillor Steve Foulkes said the return of the Queensway Tunnel monument was a "proud moment" for Liverpool and a "chance to reconnect with our heritage while creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy".The monument was engineered using reinforced concrete, which will be polished to closely resemble the original black granite used in the 1930s. The black marble-clad columns, each topped with gilded lamps, were constructed not only to illuminate the entrances but also to symbolise the grandeur and significance of the project. The monument in Birkenhead remains in place and is undergoing routine maintenance, while the Liverpool monument was lost during remodelling and is being "faithfully rebuilt".
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