The secret subway tunnel running beneath Deansgate you can no longer use
19.10.2023 - 05:59
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Anyone with a fascination with the history of Manchester will know something of the complex subterranean world that runs under its streets.
From the Cold War era tunnels and bunkers of the Guardian Telephone Exchange to canals, air-raid shelters and shops, there's a network of tunnels and rooms we walk over without a second thought each day. One such place, a subway, runs underneath one of the city's oldest thoroughfares.
Deansgate is one of Manchester’s oldest streets, dating back to the Roman times. Now part of the A56 and roughly a mile long, it runs through the west side of Manchester city centre in a near straight route.
READ MORE: Sealed door beneath Piccadilly Station hides world many 'never knew existed'
READ MORE: From Paulden's to Debenhams - Manchester's Rylands building is about to begin a new chapter
Today, Deansgate is most known for its shops restaurants and bars. Large stores such as House of Fraser and Waterstones attract shoppers as well as the independent shops and café found at Barton Arcade.
And its underneath House of Fraser there still exists an old subway system, now closed off to the public. Before it changed its name in 2005 it was previously known as Kendals, one of the most famous retailers in Manchester and had proudly stood on Deansgate for over 170 years.
Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.
It was once the most prestigious department store in the north west, patronised by kings and princes due to its reputation for quality and service. Starting life as Watts' in 1832, the department store was renamed Kendal, Milne & Faulkner in 1836.
Over the years, it has had various names - including Harrods - when it was purchased by