WW2 bomb shelter restored after two-year project

A restored World War Two air raid shelter has been restored as an educational site for schoolchildren and the wider community

A derelict and forgotten air raid shelter has been brought back to life to allow younger generations to learn about World War Two.

The Abbey Circus Air Raid Shelter in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, has been fully restored after a two-year project involving Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Rushcliffe Borough Council.

The project aims to provide schoolchildren an immersive experience of life inside a 1940s bomb shelter as well as provide a history of the area.

Chris Reynolds, a professor of contemporary European history and memory studies at NTU, said he had walked past the structure many times and "there was always an itch that something needed to be done with it".

The project - run by Nottingham Trent University and Rushcliffe Borough Council - took two years to complete

The university said the historic structure had been secured internally and externally, with access and ventilation improved.

Wooden benches have been created and installed throughout, featuring brackets which were salvaged from the original furniture.

A pop-up screen has also been installed for educational films to illustrate the history of the shelter.

Schoolchildren who will visit the site as part of their studies will also be able to take part in air raid warden training as part of role play activities.

The project received a £40,000 grant from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, matched with funding from both the council and the university.

The creative content for the project, including an animated film, an activity leaflet, and the signage, was made by illustration students at the university

Prof Reynolds said: "The successful redevelopment provides an invaluable educational resource for schools to explore the local experience of World War Two.

"It brings to life an abandoned structure that many local families and children walk past every day without realising its historical significance and value.

"By transforming the shelter into an educational space, we aim to give the site a renewed purpose of bringing our local history to life and enthusing our young people about the history on their doorsteps.

"Projects such as this demonstrate the link between our research and how it is important and invaluable for the preservation and exploration of our local heritage."

Abby Brennan, Rushcliffe Borough Council's deputy leader, added: "It's fantastic to see its transformation which is bringing an important part of West Bridgford's and Rushcliffe's history to life."