Subway under Marylebone Road transformed into colourful 'Wonderpass'

Matt Watts5 February 2016

A neglected pedestrian underpass has been transformed into a colourful “Wonderpass” celebrating Baker Street’s cultural heritage.

The dramatic refurbishment of the walkway underneath Marylebone Road has transformed the previously dingy space into the area’s latest attraction.

Its designers, Sing London, who were behind putting pianos and table tennis tables in public spaces in the capital, said they hoped it could become a blueprint for other underpasses across London.

Colette Hiller, its creative director, said: “The Wonderpass is not just about getting from A to B – it’s about enjoying the journey.

The 'Wonderpass' after its paint job
Nigel Howard

“Its about celebrating the local area and turning what was a grotty space into an alfresco museum.

“With the will theres no reason that spaces like this can’t be transformed all over London.”

The tunnel before its transformation

The walkway outside Baker Street station is intended to be a more pleasant alterantive to the busy overground crossing.

Intended to be part optical illusion, part local encyclopedia, and part gallery features five “cabinets of wonder” promoting one of the area’s cultural attractions including Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and The Wallace Collection.

There are also facts on the walls about the history of the area for tourists and commuters including Baker Street being London’s first Underground station.

The entrance to the underpass after its transformation
Nigel Howard

The Wonderpass was commissioned by local business improvement district the Baker Street Quarter Partnership and funded by Transport for London and Westminster City Council.

Penny Alexander, chief executive of the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, said:“ The Wonderpass provides the magnificent fanfare welcome this area deserves celebrating its fascinating past and showcasing our great attractions.”

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