Hidden Cold War bunker in at Fort Widley in Portsmouth to be revealed through project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Thanks to a grant of £40,500 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the charity will begin work on “Command & Control: Revealing Portsmouth’s Hidden Cold War Bunker”, a project that will explore how to conserve, interpret and open up access to the fort’s remarkable Civil Defence Control Centre.

Hidden deep within the historic fort, the Control Centre is a rare survivor from the Cold War era, offering a powerful glimpse into a time when Britain prepared for nuclear conflict. The project will uncover its story and explore how this unique space can be safely shared with the public.

Darren Bridgman, chief executive of the Peter Ashley Activity Centres, said: “This is an incredibly exciting step forward for the charity. The Control Centre is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant spaces within the fort, yet very few people have had the opportunity to experience it. This project allows us to better understand how we can preserve it, improve access and share its story with our community and future generations.”

The project will include:

• A feasibility study exploring visitor access and interpretation opportunities
• Specialist conservation and collections assessments
• An access audit to identify and address barriers to inclusion
• A building condition survey and concept designs
• A fundraising strategy to support future delivery phases

Together, these activities will lay the foundations for a larger project aimed at opening the bunker to the public in a safe, engaging and inclusive way.

Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, welcomed the initiative: “Fort Widley’s Control Centre is a remarkable survival from a defining period in our history. This project represents an exciting opportunity to explore how we can share that story more widely, particularly as Portsmouth celebrates its centenary as a city.”

The Peter Ashley Activity Centres have been custodians of Fort Widley and neighbouring Fort Purbrook since 1981 and were granted a 99-year lease by Portsmouth City Council

in 2021, reflecting confidence in the charity’s long-term stewardship of these nationally important heritage assets.

This latest project builds on the charity’s growing conservation programme and commitment to improving access, learning and community engagement across both sites.

The project is due to be completed by December 2026.