Newham Council has revealed that Woolwich Foot Tunnel - a Grade II-listed structure linking east and south London - will be refurbished ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

First opened in 1912, the 504m (1,654ft)-long tunnel will benefit from a series of improvements to return it to its former glory, as well as the addition of modern features such as lighting. The tunnel's Newham entrance is located near to the ExCeL centre, which will host a range of events during the 2012 Games, although the planned revamp is subject to government approval.

Newham Council's divisional director of development services, John East, said: "Not only is the foot tunnel a historic piece of engineering, but it is also a well-heeled route linking two areas. "We expect it will be used by thousands of visitors during the Olympics, particularly as the ExCeL exhibition centre - where a number of events are taking place - is a short distance from the Newham entrance."