Nuclear bunker could be new base for youth charity
DEVELOPER REVEALS ITS PLANS FOR ‘THE KREMLIN’
A BUNKER built to survive a nuclear strike during the Cold War could become the new headquarters of a charity offering services to young people.
Property developer Hamilton Russell Homes, which bought the War Rooms and the land around it in 2022, is planning to transform the 1950s command centre on Chalfont Drive in Beechdale, into a creative hub for its charity partner Base 51.
The structure, which would have been a local seat of power if a nuclear war erupted, could be turned into a cultural centre with café/restaurant, activity space, recording studio and co-working facilities.
It would also feature educational spaces designed to showcase the building’s fascinating history.
The surrounding land would be used to deliver 103 affordable homes in partnership with East Midlands Homes, the developers explained.
The property company behind the planned redevelopment has now launched a public consultation on its proposals for the Grade-ii listed building dubbed “the Kremlin” by locals.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the community through this public discussion process to breathe new life into this iconic landmark,” Craig Cameron, spokesperson for Hamilton Russell Homes, said.
“Our vision is to transform the War Rooms into a modern cultural centre offering a variety of amenities, including a café/restaurant, activity space for Base 51, a recording studio, and co-working facilities, all alongside engaging and educational spaces designed to showcase the building’s fascinating history.”
Base 51 offers services including counselling, activities and health support to people between the ages of 11 and 25 – and has a hub for young people in the city at the Ngymyplace centre in Castle Gate.
The youth group currently faces closure or relocation after Nottingham City Council withdrew all of its financial support.
Jo Jepson, CEO of the charity, said: “Within the revamped Nottingham War Rooms will be purpose designed spaces planned to host Base 51’s youth projects and services.
“This will include offering a variety of programmes, services, and activities that cater to the diverse interests and challenges faced by young people.
“This opportunity for Base 51 supports their ambitious growth plan, creating a sustainable model for generating income that will provide funds to expand their programmes.
The vision for the revamped Nottingham War Rooms aligns with the principles of community engagement and empowerment, setting the stage for Base 51 to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the area for the foreseeable future.”
Hamilton Russell Homes is now undertaking a public consultation on its proposals, which includes two exhibition events.
These will be held between 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11, at Beechdale Community Centre on Ambergate Road.
Building work on the War Rooms began in 1953, after Nottingham was made the centre for District 3, North Midlands – a pivotal command centre for war time operations reinstated at the start of the Cold War in 1948.
The War Room was built to a standard design, consisting of two levels – one below ground and one above, with the main control room spanning both levels.
Should a nuclear attack have occurred, the plan was for each region to be managed by a Regional Commissioner who would hold absolute power and govern the surviving population from the bunker.
The building remained in a state of operational readiness right up until 1992.