Building 4 (Control Tower)

This is a 1935-6 control tower, incorporating a Chief Flying Instructor's block, situated within Hullavington Barracks. Designed by A. Bulloch, architectural advisor to the Air Ministry, it represents an exceptionally well-preserved example of a standard control tower used on training bases. The building is constructed of bath stone ashlar on a block, with some rendering, concrete floors and roof, and an asphalt finish.

The plan is symmetrical, with a central tower housing an observation room facing the airfield. The main building is oblong, recessed at the centre to accommodate the tower. The ground floor contains a watch office and toilets, while the first floor provides offices for the Chief Flying Instructor, Officer Commanding, and clerks, as well as a rest room. Roof decks are accessible via external fixed steel ladders.

The exterior features steel casement windows with horizontal bars, with corners wrapped at both floors on the front. The airfield side includes a three-light window at two levels, a two-light window at the top level, flanked by single lights returned at the corners. To each side on the lower floors are continuous six-light windows. The tower detail is repeated at the rear, with a small light on each side. A continuous lintel band runs above the windows, and there is a high parapet with flush coping, incorporating octagonal clock faces on three sides. The main return features two doors and various small windows, while the rear displays several two-light casements and a central door. A continuous deep projecting band above the ground floor windows and a rendered upper level (seemingly an addition) complete the exterior appearance.

The interior retains original doors in plain surrounds and features a straight-flight staircase.

The significance of this building lies in its representation of the improved architectural quality of air bases developed after 1934, and its importance as one of a group of substantially complete technical buildings on a nationally important site, retaining original windows and other fitments. Its location on the main northwest/southeast axis connects it to other technical and domestic buildings, including the parade ground and principal water tower. Hullavington opened on June 6th 1937 as a Flying Training Station and also served as an Aircraft Storage Unit in 1938.