Forgotten Spaces: Commended – Kingsway Hub by JAIA

The abandoned Kingsway Tram Subway is an historic feature of London’s former tram network that Architect JAIA see as having the potential to enhance the current Tube station, ease Holborn’s pedestrian congestion, and better integrate the retail and cultural features of the area. It’s close proximity to the British Museum and John Soane’s Museums, as well as open spaces like Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Bloomsbury Square, give the area additional potential.

The proposal is to bring the subway back into use with the creation of an underground market and event space for performances, including a plaza for meetings and exhibitions, including student exhibitions from nearby colleges. The disused underground tram station will connect to the Holborn underground Tube. It is expected that the space will make a significant contribution to tourism in Holborn as well as the needs of local residents and workers.

The existing ramp will be transformed to attract pedestrians from Russell Square Gardens and Bloomsbury Square Gardens, while the introduction of top lighting will draw natural day light and ventilation into the space.

www.jai-a.com

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