Deep-level underground wartime shelter tunnels in London’s High Holborn area are set to become the Capital’s latest tourist attraction.

City of London Corporation planners have given the thumbs up to a £220m scheme to convert the warren of tunnels into a visitor and cultural attraction.

In developing the underground site, buildings at 38-41 Furnival Street would be combined into a single structure, with the ground floor used as the main entrance the tunnels.

The Kingsway Exchange Tunnels tunnels were bought by Australian fund manager Angus Murray last year. His private equity-backed developer London Tunnels Ltd is bringing forward the scheme.

The 8,000 sqm of passageways, located 40m below High Holborn, were originally constructed as a deep level shelter during the second world war and became home to the secret special operations executive, part of M16.

By the mid-1950s the tunnels became home to a protected telephone exchange in the Cold War era , the ‘hot line’ between the White House and the Kremlin ran directly through the exchange.

The visitor attraction will reflect past uses and contain an immersive view of the universe while also containing a plush underground bar.

The centre is expected to bring an estimated £60-85m of extra footfall spending to the local area, per year.