£8.4M BOOST FOR BROOKLANDS
Freshly restored hangar is the latest development in historic venue’s transformation
An £ 8.4 million project to transform Brooklands Museum has taken another step forward, after a major new attraction was unveiled by Prince Michael of Kent on 13 November.
The Surrey attraction’s finishing straight was officially reopened back in June, 110 years to the day since Brooklands first opened.
This structure, also known as the Wellington Hangar, was dismantled and removed before being restored and re-sited next to its original location to house a new Brooklands Aircraft Factory exhibition, officially opened by the Prince.
This tells the story of 80 years of aircraft manufacture and innovation around Brooklands, where nearly 18,900 aeroplanes were built.
The exhibition resembles an aircraft factory with ‘assembly lines’ showing the skills involved.
Attractions include the Vickers Wellington Bomber ‘R for Robert’, which was rescued from Loch Ness in 1985 and is the only remaining example that saw active service in World War Two.
The new facilities are enabling the museum to develop and expand its learning programmes, which aim to inspire school children and students.
Allan Winn, director and CEO of Brooklands Museum, says: ‘It’s the biggest and boldest project the museum has ever undertaken, and a spectacular pointer to further developments to come.’
The Re-Engineering Brooklands project has been financed by a £5.6 million grant from the Heritage Lottery fund, together with other donations.
Perdita Hunt, trustee at the Heritage Lottery Fund, says: ‘We are at risk of forgetting the UK’s extraordinary historical achievements when it comes to engineering innovation. Now more than ever we need to encourage future generations to master skills.’