About Greenham Common Control Tower
Greenham Control Tower was built between 1951 and 1953 to replace the original World War II tower that was located on the opposite side of what was then a military airfield. After RAF Greenham Common closed in September 1992, the building lay empty for years, until it was purchased by Greenham Parish Council in 2014.
With support from a number of national and local funders work then began to transform the building into a heritage visitor destination, a café for the common users and a community space, which you can visit. It’s a truly interesting day out and the gateway to other activities on Greenham Common.
Visit Greenham Common Control Tower
When visiting Greenham Common Control Tower you can:
- Take in outstanding views across what was one of the longest runways in Western Europe
- See where jet fighters and bombers were guided from as they blasted their way along a 12,000 foot runway
- Step back into the tense years of the Cold War when B-47s, KC-97s, and C-5 Galaxy’s used the base, and look across to the GAMA site bunkers where cruise missiles were housed
- Learn more about the protests of famous Greenham Peace Women
- Explore their permanent exhibition, which reflects how Greenham Common has played many roles over time – from common land requisitioned as a military base, most famously used by the American Air Force during the Cold War, to the beautiful recreational space for and wildlife habitat it is today.
- View real-time air-traffic control displays to get a sense of what was like to scan the skies across the Common when it was an active airfield.
Why not visit the tower on one of their heritage open days to learn about its story as a military control tower during the Cold War and WWII? Take in the 360 degree views over Greenham Common and consider joining a Greenham Common Heritage Air Base Guided Walk. There’s even a dog-friendly cafe!
Why Smart Electrics Group Support the Greenham Common Control Tower
"With my background as a telecommunications engineer with British Telecom, and as an active member of the Newbury Amateur Radio Society (NADARS), I have a keen interest in all things that have a role in communications - be it current or historic. As such Smart Electrics is delighted to have donated £500 torwards the cost of upgrading the external CCTV system at the Greenham Common Control Tower, and a days labour to cover installation work."
More Information on Greenham Common Control Tower
If you’d like to find out more about the Greenham Common Control Tower and their events schedule, we’d encourage your to visit their website: https://www.greenhamtower.org.uk/
