A replica of a piece of Liverpool engineering and architectural heritage is to return to the entrance of the Mersey Tunnel more than 60 years after the original was removed. Tony McDonough reports
More than 60 years after it was removed, a replica of a piece of Liverpool’s engineering heritage is to take pride of place in the city centre once again.
Herbert Rowse, the architect behind the Queensway Mersey Tunnel, also designed a monument that stood outside the Liverpool entrance from the 1930s to the 1960s. It was taken down following major road layout changes around the tunnel entrances.
Its imminent return marks a celebration of the city’s transport history, combining modern engineering with Rowse’s neo-classical and Art Deco design legacy.
This 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 area surrounding it will be enhanced to provide a meeting place.
Councillor Steve Foulkes, chair of the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee, said: “The return of the Queensway Tunnel monument is a proud moment for Liverpool. It’s a chance to reconnect with our heritage while creating a welcoming space.
“I’m proud to see this monument return to its rightful place, marking the gateway to a city that continues to look forward while honouring its past.”
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The monument has been engineered using reinforced concrete, which will be polished to closely resemble the original black granite used in the 1930s.
Its reconstruction preserves the authenticity and aesthetic of the original while incorporating modern materials and construction techniques. It is due for completion this summer with the public realm ready by later in the year.
When the tunnel first opened in 1934, two identical monuments stood at either side of the Mersey – in Liverpool and Birkenhead.
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.
While the monument in Birkenhead remains and is undergoing routine maintenance, the Liverpool monument was lost during subsequent remodelling and will now be faithfully rebuilt.