Black Holt former Atomic Bomb Store: D2 Missile Storage Bays

A series of six D2 missile storage bays which are the original storage facilities and date to the mid-1950s.

MATERIALS: the bays are constructed of reinforced concrete and steel.

PLAN: the storage bays themselves are rectangular and are set within mounded earth reached by curved access paths, forming a D-shape on plan.

EXTERIOR: the storage bays are enclosed within a series of large mounded reinforced concrete structures arranged and aligned north to south. They are accessed via curved access paths which are lined with shuttered concrete, rising to the full height of the mound and with deep set overhangs sheltering the entrance way. The storage bay itself is accessed by large steel blast doors at either end which are set on rollers and have wicket doors inset.

INTERIOR: the storage space itself is rendered and painted concrete and the roof is supported by large exposed concrete beams and with blast doors at either end. There is an air conditioning plant located on one side, with a separate access passage which leads to a single leaf steel door set within a concrete and brick-lined porch on the same side as the entrance approach ways. The machinery remains in-situ, as does the electric wiring which is set within exposed metal housings.