The Grade II* listed Stationary Winding Vaults are a notable feature of the London and Birmingham Railway (L&BR), the first modern main line railway with a London terminus, that opened in 1837. They are of international importance, representing a relatively brief transitional stage in the technological development of railway transportation, and one of the last uses of rope haulage on a public railway. Their architectural interest lies in the grand scale and unique design of their underground brick construction.
The winding vaults have survived the 175 years since they ceased operation remarkably well. Restoration would allow the public to appreciate their form, fabric and history.
For this to be realised, the vaults must be left open over their full height, with no intervening mezzanine floors except where necessary. The interior of the vaults should be left intact wherever possible and alteration works minimised. The warm colour of the brickwork should be enhanced by sufficient lighting to overcome the lack of natural light. The inverted arches forming the floors of the longitudinal vaults, but not of the engine/boiler room, provide an opportunity to run ducts under a suspended floor. All cladding required for health and sanitary reasons should be demountable.
Public access may be combined with some commercial use to enable the structure to become financially self-supporting. A building with 1125 square metres net area at basement level and an additional 20% available at higher level could have many uses. The vaults have the potential for a mixed development combining a heritage centre, exhibition centre and café for daytime visitors with evening/night-time use as restaurant, bar and performance space. Some of the potential is illustrated in the basement plan above. A key purpose is the creation of a Stephenson Museum and the opening of the vaults to the public. Any commercial use would support this purpose.
It is assumed that it will be feasible both to treat the structure against damp penetration and create adequate ventilation to accommodate a substantial number of people.
A Visitor Centre will be erected over the eastern boiler room, the lower part of brick with a glazed canopy rising to an architectural feature that recalls the chimney that once stood there (see artist’s impression).
The Visitor Centre, entered from Stephenson Walk, would feature a security check, concourse, cloakroom, stairs and lift to carry visitors to the mezzanine and basement floors. The lift would be formed within the eastern chimney. The mezzanine floor would have space for a bookshop/souvenir shop and offices. The basement would have a foyer/reception area.
The lift in the eastern chimney serving the basement, mezzanine and ground floors will provide disabled access to all areas with the exception of the Gallery at the southern end, accessible only via stairs.
On the opposite side of Stephenson Walk, at the intersection with the future Winding Vaults Way, is a safeguarded rectangular area, about 20 metres by 10 metres. This will feature a ticket office, light refreshments, seating and green landscaping. It will be an assembly area in the event of emergency exit. Parking would be provided for service vehicles. The road that will service the Morrisons redevelopment will also serve the Winding Vaults, at least until a supply from Pacific Village has been provided.
There would be emergency escape exits at all four corners of the vaults.
A statue of Robert Stephenson should be strategically placed on a plinth close to the Visitor Centre from where he can survey his works. On the other side of the tracks the familiar figure of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, stove-pipe hatted and cigar smoking, gazes down at a railway he played virtually no part in. Perhaps The Engineer, the Grade II listed pub, will finally change its inn sign to feature his friend and rival.