The secret new London venue built in an abandoned shaft

The first building project of famed British engineering titan, Isambard Kingdom Brunel is to be turned into an underground live venue space, 150 years after it was last used by the public.

The Brunel Shaft, built as an entrance to the Thames Tunnel, is a 65ft-deep shaft that was originally created to help aid access to the construction of the original tunnel. At the time it made up part of the world’s first underwater tunnel.

The tunnel was designed by Marc Brunel, who enlisted the help of his then teenage son Isambard Kingdom Brunel - it was the only official collaborative project they ever worked on.

Later it was used as a ventilation point for London’s early underground system that utilised steam trains.

Now, thanks to a new staircase built by architecture studio Tate Harmer, the space is about to become the greatest new gig venue the city has to offer, as the shaft is transformed into a bustling and secretive event space that will host up to 135 people (seen above as an artist's impression). The venue will also be available to hire for those of you looking to host an outlandish drinks evening. Set to be completed later this year, you'll have to watch this space...

(via Design Week)