20/05/2026
With works at Old Haymarket now complete, it’s a great moment to reflect on some of the finer details that help tie the scheme back to its historic setting, particularly the restoration of the original Queensway Tunnel toll booths.
Originally designed by Herbert J. Rowse as part of the tunnel’s opening in 1934, these cast iron kiosks have long formed part of the gateway into Liverpool. Finished in their distinctive British Racing Green, they are a small but recognisable piece of the wider engineering story that surrounds the site.
Prior to their restoration, the toll booths were located at key points across the city including: outside the iconic Cunard Building, The Royal Port of Liverpool Building and at the Queensway Tunnel itself. As part of this scheme, they have been carefully brought together at Old Haymarket, returning a piece of the tunnel’s history to a setting closely connected to its original purpose and use.
Over time, the kiosks had naturally deteriorated. Exposure to the elements had led to corrosion, worn detailing and failing finishes, while previous repairs and alterations had impacted aspects of their original character. Their restoration was therefore included within our scope to ensure they could be preserved and sensitively reintroduced within the upgraded public realm.
The toll booths were carefully removed from their sites and transported to a specialist contractor, where they underwent a full refurbishment. Layers of paint and corrosion were stripped back to reveal the original cast iron structure, allowing repairs to be undertaken, missing features reinstated and the crisp detailing of the design restored. Mechanical elements such as doors, handles and locks were overhauled, while glazing, roofing and internal components were renewed to meet modern standards.
Now reinstated on site, the toll booths sit alongside high-quality granite paving, bespoke detailing and carefully selected materials that elevate the overall finish of the scheme. One of the restored kiosks also now provides an interpretive feature, sharing information about the construction of the Queensway Tunnel and its history, helping to bring that story closer to people moving through the space.
While the project has focused on delivering a durable, high-specification public realm, it’s elements like this that ensure the finished space reflects both the heritage and character of its surroundings, reconnecting a historic feature with the place it was always intended to serve.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority