Drakelow Tunnels in kidderminster was excavated during World War II. It was built for use as a shadow factory for Rover (the car manufacturer), who at the time were supporting Britain’s war effort with engines for the RAF. It was also used as a backup facility for Rover, should any of their main factories be destroyed. During the 1950′s and the brewing Cold War, the tunnels were used as a ministry of supply, mainly for storage. During the Cold War, the MOS became heavily involved in Britain’s nuclear program. In 1958 the tunnels were developed by the government for use as a Regional Seat of Government. However, in 1963 the tunnels were brought to the attention of the public by the Committee of 100, who were a British anti-war group at the time. Under following Home Defence operations, the tunnels were used as a Sub-Regional Control, Sub-Regional Headquarters, and finally Regional Government Headquarters (RGHQ). The site was sold on to private owners who intended to develop and create housing and commercial properties. However, this met stiff opposition from a Preservation Trust, as the site is of historical significance. The trust won the fight and redevelopment of the site was put on hold. It’s feared though that the redevelopment may happen sometime in the.
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