More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
More than 100,000 people are expected to flock to a historic site in Kent every year once a major new attraction is built.
The trust running Ramsgate Tunnels has unveiled ambitious plans to install a feature recreating life on the coast before the raids of the Second World War.
As part of the project, a 1940s street scene and new welcome facilities will be added to the 157-year-old Victorian structure.
Tunnels volunteer Phil Spain expects the scheme to quadruple visitor capacity at the venue.
"Currently, we focus on life after a devastating bombing raid at the beginning of The Battle of Britain, when over 1,000 people took up residence in a town below the town," he said.
"The new 1940s street scene will unlock the opportunity to tell the story of Ramsgate leading up to World War II with exhibits, storytelling, and workshops in a period setting.
"At 26,000 visitors a year we are nearing the physical limit of our guided tours because of the constraints of taking people underground.
"The new attraction will increase capacity to over 100,000 visitors."
The proposed welcome zone will comprise a reception area, shop, café and community space.
Ramsgate Tunnels is working on the scheme with designers from HKD, a Margate-based studio which has worked on projects across the world.
The trust has its eyes set on securing funding for the next stage of development.
“We believe the project can be delivered by 2024," Mr Spain added.
"That will mark the 85th anniversary of the first opening of the tunnels and the 10th anniversary of their reopening in 2014.”
