Work to begin on crumbling Tangmere Control Tower

Tangmere Tower CIC has been working to renovate the historic site, in the hope it can be used as a community facility for future generations to enjoy.

The group announced that phase one of the project will commence on Saturday, October 29.

Matt Gover-Wren, director of Tangmere Tower CIC, said: “We are over the moon to make this progress, it will enable completion of phase one of the project.

“Once the surveys are completed, we will then know the full extent of funding needed to bring her back to life.

“This phase of the works has been made entirely possible by all the people who have donated to the project, we thank all of you for your help.”

The control tower was built in 1944 in time for D-Day, with Tangmere controlling many local airfields. It was considered by many to have been the most important airfield during the Battle of Britain.

The building is the last remaining derelict structure of World War II in the village of Tangmere.

It is also hosted the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, in his first flying lesson in 1968.

But RAF Tangmere closed its doors in 1970.

The control tower itself was Grade II listed in 2011 and placed on the heritage at risk register by the campaign in 2015.

The building project, led by architects Meynell Hayes Ltd, will include removing brick work and surveys, including a full buildings condition survey.

Richard Meynell of Meynell Hayes Ltd, said: “To be appointed to lead on this project is truly wonderful, it’s such an exciting scheme to be involved with. This first step enables us to understand the fabric of the building and what works will be required.”

The Tangmere Tower CIC team are planning further fundraising events next year and plan to make a full application to heritage lottery funding.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savetangmeretowerproject