A MAJOR feat of underground engineering – largely forgotten for many decades – is to open as one of the region’s latest tourist attractions.

The Victoria Tunnel, which runs beneath the streets of Newcastle, was built between 1839 and 1842 and was used as a waggonway.

The two-mile tunnel was used to transport coal from Leazes Main Colliery, near the Town Moor, to the Tyne, near Ouseburn.

Once the pit closed, in 1860, the grade II-listed structure remained unused until the Second World War, when it became an air raid shelter.

New entrances were built and bunk beds, electric lights and chemical toilets installed, as well as blast walls for extra safety.

After the war, the tunnel became a nuclear shelter, but was largely forgotten until it was reopened in 1998 by the Ouseburn Partnership for tours.

It closed again in 2006 due to structural problems, but a 766- yard section reopens next month with installed artworks and sound effects to bring the past back to life.

The project has been funded with about £500,000, including grants from One North East and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“The idea is to create a truly unique visitor attraction and we have had so much interest in it,” said Marian Jones, heritage volunteer support officer for Newcastle City Council.

“People remember sheltering here during the war with their families and they are keen to bring their grandchildren down to show what it was like.

“People are fascinated with underground spaces and it is a bit of an adventure and a bit of a thrill to be somewhere no one else is.” The tunnel entrance now features eyecatching information boards and a tactile panel that can be used by visually-impaired visitors.

The waggonway sounds recreate the rumble of rolling wagons and wartime voices can be heard during air raids over the city.

A responsive sound and light installation by Adinda van ‘t Klooster also adds an exciting dimension to the tunnel.

Ms Jones said: “This is the culmination of years of hard work by so many people.

“It offers a unique opportunity to discover more about Newcastle’s hidden heritage.”

Tours are available from May 1. Booking is essential.

To find out more, contact Tunnelenquiries@newcastle.gov.uk or ring 0191-275- 5600.

History of Victoria Tunnel at a glance

1838 Porter and Latimer, the owners of the Leazes Main Colliery granted permission to build the tunnel. Work begins the following year.

1842 Construction finishes and tunnel is opened with cannon salute and party for workers.

1860 The pit closes, equipment is sold.

1878 River end of Victoria Tunnel is demolished when Glass House Bridge built.

1928 Gateshead entrepreneur, Thomas Moore establishes the Victoria Tunnel Mushroom Company and tries to farm mushrooms in tunnel. Business closes following year.

1939 War breaks out and the tunnel is outfitted as an air raid shelter.

1945 The war ends and all entrances but one are sealed.

1976 Part of tunnel converted into sewer running from Ellison Place to Queen Victoria Road.

2006 Newcastle City Council secures Heritage Lottery and Single Programme funding to restore the Tunnel and open it to the public.