Historic Watchtower To Be Relocated And Renovated
07 December 2009
Date: Monday 7th December
Time: 1230
St George, London's leading mixed-use developer, and the Royal Air Force Museum, today on Monday 7 December, held a turf cutting ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the relocation and refurbishment of the historic Grahame-White Watchtower building from Beaufort Park to the Museum’s site.
The redundant Watchtower building, built in 1911, was once the centre piece of the aviation pioneer Claude Grahame-White’s aircraft factory in Hendon and was home to the birth of British aviation. Flying from Hendon ceased in the late 1960’s and since then, the Watchtower has fallen into disrepair and is to be renovated and relocated to the adjacent museum by St George.
Ross Faragher, Managing Director of award winning developers St George Central London commented: "Today we celebrate the first steps to relocate and refurbish the redundant Grahame-White Watchtower. This historic building is to be rejoined to the Grahame-White factory at The Royal Air Force Museum and is set to become an important learning resource reflecting the achievements of this early aviation pioneer and the history of the local area, for the benefit of the nation."
Dr Fopp, Director General, Royal Air Force Museum commented: "Claude Grahame-White was one of the most important pioneers in British Aviation. The relocation of The Watchtower marks a continuing chapter of the Museum’s efforts to preserve the historic fabric of this cradle of aviation. It will provide a fitting tribute to him and the history of aviation in the local area.”
To celebrate the unveiling of the Watchtower Project the Museum has also released today onto YouTube a series of films about selected aircraft in the Grahame-White Factory. To view these films please click on the link "Learn more about the Aircraft of the Grahame-White Factory."
Image: Sir John Day unveiling project plaque(r), with Mayor of Barnet Councillor Brian Coleman and Ross Faragher Managing Director of St. George applauding.
