UNESCO has expressed its satisfaction with the British government’s decision to scrap the plan to build a tunnel at Stonehenge, a move aimed at reducing costs. The new Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, has abandoned the project, which had been criticized by UNESCO for posing a threat to the historic site. The previous government had planned to construct the A303 highway underground, which would have removed the road from the landscape, making it resemble the environment 4,500 years ago when the stone circle was likely constructed. The tunnel was also intended to be wider than the current road, allowing for more traffic and reducing congestion.
However, opponents were concerned that the renovation could harm the prehistoric environment. The area around Stonehenge contains numerous prehistoric structures, including burial mounds and earth walls, and experts warn that not everything has been discovered, fearing “permanent and irreparable damage.” It is worth noting that the current state of Stonehenge is a result of several restorations over the years.
On Monday, the new Labour government decided to cancel the plan, which would have required a £2 billion investment. This decision aligns with a series of cost-saving measures implemented by the government.
Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, welcomed the Starmer government’s decision.
“UNESCO supports the UK authorities in their efforts to reconcile their needs around development and the preservation of this exceptional heritage site,” she said.
Stonehenge has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986.
UNESCO had previously decided not to classify Stonehenge as an endangered heritage site due to the tunnel construction, after the World Heritage Committee ruled that sufficient measures had been taken to mitigate the effects on the site.
The Wiltshire board, to which Stonehenge belongs, expressed their “extreme bewilderment and disappointment” over the decision to scrap the tunnel, as reported by the BBC.
Historically, Stonehenge has undergone several restorations. One of the earliest major restorations was conducted by William Flinders Petrie in the late 19th century, who attempted to stabilize the stones and correct some of the earlier repairs. In the 20th century, further restoration work was carried out to repair damage caused by erosion and human activity. These efforts aimed to preserve the site’s integrity while ensuring its accessibility to the public. Despite these restorations, the site remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year.
