RAF Northolt Sector Operations Building Restoration - Building 27
The historic Grade II listed Z Sector Operations Building at RAF Northolt, known as Building 27 or The Keith Park Building, has been undergoing restoration for over 10 years by a dedicated team of civilian and military volunteers.
RAF Northolt, a key aerodrome within No.11 Group, commanded by Sir Keith Park, (himself a former Northolt Station commander) was the closest fighter station to Headquarters Fighter Command at Bentley Priory, Stanmore.
Between 1936 and 1939 Dowding decided to run a series of trials and air exercises using Building 27, which resulted in the evolution of the system, the personnel, and the layout of the building. This design became the standard template that was rolled out across Fighter Command. Due to its vulnerability to air attack, Building 27 was closed as an operational asset on 17 June 1940, after which it was used for training Sector Control staff. Post war it was used as offices until 2007 when it was closed and scheduled for demolition. Fortunately it survived long enough for English Heritage to grant it Grade II listed status and its restoration began in 2010.
Building 27 was granted Grade 2 listed status and restoration was soon under way. Since then and under the guidance of the Project Team Leader, Mr Phillip Dawe MBE, the building has been slowly and painstakingly returned to its 1940’s glory through meticulous research and utter dedication from Phil, who has personally invested more than 40,000 hours over 15 years. Phil received formal recognition of this with his very well-deserved MBE.
Sources :
'Northolt Approach'
Website 'Polish Air Force Memorial Committee
RAF Northolt, a key aerodrome within No.11 Group, commanded by Sir Keith Park, (himself a former Northolt Station commander) was the closest fighter station to Headquarters Fighter Command at Bentley Priory, Stanmore.
Between 1936 and 1939 Dowding decided to run a series of trials and air exercises using Building 27, which resulted in the evolution of the system, the personnel, and the layout of the building. This design became the standard template that was rolled out across Fighter Command. Due to its vulnerability to air attack, Building 27 was closed as an operational asset on 17 June 1940, after which it was used for training Sector Control staff. Post war it was used as offices until 2007 when it was closed and scheduled for demolition. Fortunately it survived long enough for English Heritage to grant it Grade II listed status and its restoration began in 2010.
Building 27 was granted Grade 2 listed status and restoration was soon under way. Since then and under the guidance of the Project Team Leader, Mr Phillip Dawe MBE, the building has been slowly and painstakingly returned to its 1940’s glory through meticulous research and utter dedication from Phil, who has personally invested more than 40,000 hours over 15 years. Phil received formal recognition of this with his very well-deserved MBE.
Sources :
'Northolt Approach'
Website 'Polish Air Force Memorial Committee
