Queensway Tunnel monument to be reinstated after 60 years
'It’s about restoring a piece of our identity'
An iconic Liverpool landmark is making a long-awaited return, as the monument marking the Liverpool entrance to the Queensway Tunnel is set to be reinstated after more than 60 years.
Originally designed in the 1930s by renowned architect Herbert Rowse – the creative mind behind Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall and India Buildings – the monument was removed in the 1960s during major road layout changes.
Now, thanks to a restoration project funded by a government-backed infrastructure scheme, the historic gateway will once again take pride of place.
The project’s first phase, focused on reconstructing the monument itself, is due to be completed by summer 2025. A second phase, aimed at improving the public realm surrounding the structure, is expected to finish later that year.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram hailed the monument’s return as a moment of civic pride. He said: “It’s about restoring a piece of our identity.”
Councillor Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Transport Committee, added: “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 for everyone to enjoy.
“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.”
The original structure, part of a matched pair, was built at both tunnel entrances in Liverpool and Birkenhead when the Queensway Tunnel opened in June 1934. Each column, clad in black marble and topped with a gilded lamp, served both a decorative and practical purpose, symbolising the grandeur of what was then the longest road tunnel in the world.
While the Birkenhead monument remains and is undergoing maintenance, the Liverpool counterpart was lost during remodelling – until now. The reconstructed monument will use polished reinforced concrete designed to closely resemble the original black granite, preserving the visual integrity of Rowse’s Art Deco and Neo-Classical design.
Beyond reinstating the structure, the project aims to revitalise the surrounding area. The public space will be transformed to create an accessible, inviting environment for residents and visitors, providing an improved setting around one of Liverpool’s most historic transport hubs.
This month also marks key anniversaries for Liverpool’s two major tunnels. The Queensway Tunnel celebrates its 91st year of service, while the Kingsway Tunnel, opened in 1971, turns 54. Both are seen as engineering marvels that revolutionised transport across the River Mersey and continue to serve as critical arteries for the region.
The monument’s return is a symbolic moment in Liverpool’s ongoing journey of heritage preservation and forward-facing development – honouring the past while investing in the future.