The unusual passageway dates back to the 1800s
Many don’t know this passageway exists(Image: Liverpool Echo)
An unusual passageway located in Liverpool city centre forms a unique subterranean link to a busy Liverpool train station – and many don’t know it exists. Opened in 1886, James Street station, together with Hamilton Square underground station in Birkenhead, have a long history.
They are the oldest deep level underground stations in the world. But one of them, despite how long it has existed, remains largely unknown.
Only open during peak hours, access to James Street Station in Liverpool city centre can found via a set of unassuming double doors on nearby Water Street. In 2013, James Street Station was partially closed as part of work to upgrade Liverpool’s rail network – but during the refurbishment, builders discovered a fascinating glimpse into the past life of the city’s commuters, the Liverpool ECHO previously reported.
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At the time, advertising posters – some of which dated back more than 50 years – were uncovered by workmen re-tiling the station’s floors and surrounding corridors. The pedestrian tunnel is Grade II listed.
Its entrance, which is situated at the front of India Buildings on Water Street, also dates from the 1880s and was refurbished in 2015. The tunnel runs the equivalent length of Castle Street.
The Water Street pedestrian tunnel leading to James Street Station(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Inside the tile-lined underground walkway is a central handrail, which comes in handy as walking back up the incline from the underground station takes some effort. Astonishingly, in 1982, plans were made to scrap the historic passageway after a century of use as part of cost cutting plans.
A spokesperson for British Rail told the ECHO in June 1982 that it was too costly and not enough people were using it to justify keeping it open. The added : “It is unlikely that the closure will cause any hardship to passengers.
“The subway, if anything provides a longer and more strenuous walk than if you walk through the streets.” However, a campaign to save the walkway was successful after many of its regular users objected to its closure.
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An image of the subterranean walkway was previously posted on the popular Hidden Liverpool Facebook account. And several people confessed to not knowing the doorways on the outside of India Buildings led to the passageway.
Chris Wood, said: “Until recently I didn’t even know that this entrance and tunnel existed as I’ve never been a frequent traveller on Merseyrail. Now I use it once a week to get to a course on Hamilton Square, and it’s a journey I look forward to and enjoy. Very unique and quirky pre-war time capsule.”
Other people shared memories of the subway with many pointing out how steep and strenuous a walk it is when walking back up from James Street Station.
Sharon Skilander Kennedy, said: “Great for walking down, killer for walking up!” Nikki Sarath agreed, posting: “It’s a wonderful entrance to the station but it’s a killer trying to walk back up!”
The Water Street pedestrian tunnel leading to James Street Station(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Philip Morris, said: “Back in the days when I worked in Liverpool, and when working in an office was a thing, this was a twice-daily experience for me. I convinced myself that powering up the passageway in the morning justified the beers after work.”
However, Jacqui Glowacki, remembered the fun she had as a child on the passageway. She said: “We had a weekend place in Meols. Every summer weekend we’d get off the 44 bus outside the Water Street entrance and run full tilt down that corridor to the platform. Used to terrify my parents. LOL!”
Jean Hewitt also used to love using the subway. She posted: “It seemed a lot more spooky last time I was down there, many moons ago. so glad it’s still there. How I loved to go up and down, especially running with my dad.”
Other people previously posted saying they were glad that the pedestrian tunnel is still in use. Another said it reminded them of the film American Werewolf in London, while one person commented on the tunnel’s “beautiful” acoustics as they occasionally hear the lady who works at the station singing down there.