Decontamination Suite, Greenham Air Base

Greenham Common served as a US Army Air Forces and later US Air Force airfield from the Second World War onwards, becoming synonymous with the Cold War. Between 1982 and 1991, it was home to the US Air Force's 501st Tactical Missile Wing, which operated 96 Ground Launched Cruise Missiles. The base also became internationally known for the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp and its anti-nuclear protests.

Today, few buildings from the former airbase remain. Greenham Control Tower is the only building open to the public as a visitor centre. As part of Heritage Open Days, the charity that operates Greenham Control Tower has been granted special permission to open the Decontamination Suite within Building 274, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore an area that is not usually accessible.

Normally closed to the public, this remarkable facility is attached to the former command centre of the 501st Tactical Missile Wing. Built with blast-resistant reinforced concrete and heavy blast doors, it was designed to protect personnel in the event of a chemical attack. The building also featured self-contained air, water and sanitation systems, allowing it to remain operational during an emergency.

Join our expert guides for a rare opportunity to explore this fascinating Cold War facility and discover the history of a site that played an important part of Greenham Common's history.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Sunday 20 September:

11:00 to 15:00

Location & directions

Building 274, Buckner-Croke Way, Greenham Business Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6HX

Directions:

Building 274, Buckner- Croke Way, Greenham Business Park, Berkshire, RG19 6HX From the A339 South of Newbury take first turn into Greenham Business Park. Take second left onto Jones Drive, then first right and finally left and follow Buckner-Croke Way past EPC on the right (English Provender Company) into car parking area. what3words: sports.glue.forces Alternatively start from Greenham Control Tower, Burys Bank Road, RG19 8BZ, ample parking available and walk across the common. Greenham Control Tower what3words: force.energy.smiles

Contact on day:

Tori Yates

Telephone number:

+44163544145

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Only the exterior of the building is wheelchair accessible, the interior has steps and uneven flooring. The tour is not suitable for babies, very young children or people who suffer from claustrophobia. The Decontamination Suite is a dusty environment with no air circulation. Visitors with asthma or other breathing conditions should take this into consideration. Assistance dogs are welcome; unfortunately, no other dogs are permitted inside.

Additional information

There are no toilets or refreshments available at the Decontamination Suite. There are full facilities, parking , toilets, a cafe, exhibition space and an Observation Deck at the Control Tower at RG19 8BZ.

Max number of people:

12

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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