News / Aerospace Bristol
Aerospace Bristol to restore 103-year-old hangar
It may look like a rather nondescript grey shed from the outside, but a historic aircraft hangar is set to undergo a £500,000 transformation.
The Grade II-listed building on the former Filton Airfield will be restored and re-purposed into a ‘conservation in action’ workshop by Aerospace Bristol.
The aim is to inspire and educate engineers of the future through hands-on opportunities.
is needed now More than ever
Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde to be built and the last Concorde ever to fly – is the star attraction at Aerospace Bristol
Aerospace Bristol secured the £500,000 grant from the Biffa Award and intends to make the empty building, known as Hangar 16M, publicly accessible for the first time – visitors will get the chance to see work taking place on historic Bristol aircraft such as the Bristol Freighter, Fighter, and Bolingbroke.
“Most museum conservation work is undertaken behind ‘closed doors’, unseen by the public,” says executive director of Aerospace Bristol Lloyd Burnell.
“But as a result of bringing conservation into public view, visitors will not only learn more about the Aerospace Bristol story, but also how vital heritage skills are saving the nation’s past.”
The 103-year-old hangar was home to the Great Western Air Ambulance helicopter until recently and its restoration forms part of major changes in the area, with Aerospace Bristol opening its doors for the first time in October 2017 and the Brabazon hangars hotly tipped as the site of the long-awaited Bristol Arena.
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Aircraft and engine restoration works will be undertaken by volunteers, who Burnell says have already played a pivotal role in making Aerospace Bristol a reality, with more than 150 former engineers and community volunteers giving their time and expertise.
Jess Stone, Aerospace Bristol volunteer and Airbus undergraduate engineering apprentice, said: “It’s really exciting that a new generation will be able to get involved in exciting engineering projects and gain hands-on experience working with aircraft and engines.
“This is an amazing opportunity for young people to learn from the older generation, who have so much experience and knowledge of Bristol aircraft.”
Restoration work on the hangar is set to begin early this year and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2019.
Read more: Aerospace Bristol takes flight
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