A watch office which formed a key part of RAF Alconbury’s wartime role is to be refurbished as part of the next stage of plans for the former base.

The Hunts Post: 1943 explosion at RAF Alconbury, with the watch office in the foreground1943 explosion at RAF Alconbury, with the watch office in the foreground (Image: Archant)

The listed office, one of only a handful of its kind in the UK, once provided accommodation for aircrews but will shortly be overhauled to create offices and community space in Alconbury Weald.

The old briefing room, which sits within the building, is also set to be transformed into a space for training use, along with heritage events.

Tim Leathes, development director at Alconbury Weald, said: “The building has been quite challenging as much of it was literally thrown up - with single brick walls in places, running repairs throughout, and a few structural challenges. We have worked hard with our heritage team and the local authority’s conservation officer to come forward with a sympathetic restoration.”

Once restored, it is hoped that the building will also provide a base for environmental charity Groundwork East.