Decontamination Suite, Greenham Air Base

Greenham Common was active as a US Army Air Force and US Air Force airfield for various periods from WWII onwards, most famously during the Cold War. Between 1982 - 1991, it was home to the US Air Force 501st Tactical Missile Wing and operated 96 cruise missiles. It was the site for the famous Greenham women's peace protests.
Few buildings remain from this period. Greenham Control Tower is the only building now open to the public as a visitor centre. The charity that runs Greenham Control Tower has arranged special permission to open the decontamination suite within building 274 to the public as part of Heritage Open Days.
This section of building 274 is attached to what was the command centre for the 501st Tactical Missile Wing. Parts of the building have walls of blast-proof steel-reinforced concrete and solid blast-proof doors. The purpose of the decontamination section would have been to cleanse personnel of nerve agents in the event of a chemical attack. Part of building 274 was designed as a hardened area to be self-sufficient in air, water and sanitation if a complete shut-down of the base occurred following an enemy attack

As well as tours of this facility there will be associated events during the weekend arranged by Greenham Control Tower. For further details, please go to www.greenhamtower.org.uk

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

11:00 - 16:00

Sunday 15 September:

11:00 - 16:00

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. Alternatively start from Greenham Control Tower, RG19 8BZ, ample parking available, and walk across the common. Greenham Control Tower what3words: force.energy.smiles

Contact on day:

Tori Yates - 07736 252644

Telephone number:

+447736252644

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Only the exterior of the building is wheelchair accessible. The building tour is not suitable for babies, very young children or people who suffer from claustrophobia. Only Guide dogs may enter.

Additional information

There are no toilets at the Decontamination Suite. There are full facilities, parking , toilets, a cafe and the opportunity to view Greenham Common, including the GAMA nuclear bunkers, from the observation deck of the Control Tower at RG19 8BZ.

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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