Kingsway Tunnel Ventilation Buildings

The two ventilation buildings for the Kingsway Tunnel under the River Mersey were designed by T.S. Harker who was appointed as consultant architect to this largely engineering led project. Harker was in fact responsible for the design of all of the buildings that were part of the scheme. The detailed mechanical engineering was undertaken by Dr B.R. Purcell. Each building was positioned as close to the river as possible and their siting enables a balanced supply of air. The intake and exhaust shafts were used for the pilot tunnel as well as the main tunnel. Following the completion of the pilot tunnel, construction began in earnest in 1967 and was completed by 1971. The buildings themselves have a very particular aesthetic, reminiscent of sci-fi of the period, somehow their slightly bulbous forms remind me of Thunderbirds. The engineering brick podium gives way to the stretched hexagonal mouths of the intake vents formed from white concrete and separated from the base by clerestory glazing. The exhaust chimney sits symetrically between the two intakes with prominent corners and a fluted texture to its outwardly tapering ascent. Together the two sentinels mark the line of the tunnel as it passes under the Mersey and their arresting form have become landmarks of the riverfronts.