Tunnel visionaries         (Sitegeist) 

Venues comprising event spaces, bars and restaurants are nothing new. Except when they're to be housed in a wind tunnel.             Bethany Hutton-Stigga (11 June'09)

Appropriately, the new complex is about to take off in Farnborough where one of the world’s earliest surviving wind tunnel buildings will be transformed into an entertainment venue. The project is the brainchild of entrepreneurs, Paul Hewett and Ian Hockerday who have  bought R52, a wind tunnel built in 1916 where much of the 20th century’s ground-breaking aeronautical research and development was carried out. Britain led the world with its aeronautical innovation and a huge amount of the pioneering work was centred on the former Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Based at the former RAE site, R52's historical aviation significance is expected to boost its popularity with the public. This was, after all, used for early experimental work on the the narrow delta-winged aircraft which became Concorde.

The owners of R52 have appointed two event industry specialists to oversee the project;  events coordinator Donna Comfort of Diamond City Events (see link below)and Suzanne Allis, an independent consultant, commercial/operations manager.

(Below) Mission controlled - Gerald Howarth (centre) with Paul Hewett (right) and Ian Hockerday

The R52 building is on the IQ site in Farnborough and the £20 million restoration programme has preserved key buildings and created a heritage centre, as well as using stunning contemporary architecture to transform the local landscape. There are also hundreds of homes on the site, plus a new hotel and a range of ultra-modern office buildings.

“Ian and I have both been involved with breathing new life into listed buildings and giving them a fabulous new use," said Paul Hewett, of Lower Froyle, near Alton, Hampshire. "We will keep the wind tunnel with its glorious past and transform the buildings around it. We have innovative ideas for future use of the wind tunnel and hope to link up with local schools and colleges as part of a programme of education.”


His partner Ian Hockerday has forged a close interest with the R52 since he has worked at the RAE wind tunnels in the past and is keen to protect the heritage of the building.
“This will be a venue that can cater for hundreds of people, that is contemporary and buzzing, and serves great beers and wine along with mouth-watering gastro pub-type food, " he said. "It will also have excellent meeting facilities and visitors will get a real flavour of aeronautical heritage."

Aldershot MP and Shadow Defence Minister Gerald Howarth was one of the first to view the project. "The idea of converting one of these historic buildings and turning it into a restaurant where people can imbibe that wonderful heritage and sentiment which oozes from the walls of this place, and bringing in some artefacts as well, is most imaginative. I think it will be a great asset to the area and, of course, will preserve a magnificent piece of our heritage.”

Related Screenings ________________________________

Diamond City Events:                          Boeing hotel:

                  

RK  _________________________________________