Plans have revealed a potential new use for two aircraft hangars that were once used to develop secret wartime technologies.
The hangars, at the aerodrome on Watnall Road, Hucknall, were first built in 1916 and used by the RAF and Rolls-Royce for the development of new and experimental aircraft technologies.
Today, they are used by the Nottingham-based events firm Mellors Group Ltd for storage.
The company has now submitted plans to Ashfield District Council to transform hangars one and two into an eight-court padel tennis facility.
The building, which is Grade II listed, was adopted during the First World War by the RAF and Rolls-Royce and used during and after the global conflict for work that was secret at the time.
This work is now known to have included the development of the Merlin engine and the world’s first piloted vertical take-off jet-powered aircraft, known as the Flying Bedstead, the technology from which went on to be used for the development of the Harrier Jump Jet.
Other developments included the world’s first turboprop engine, the world’s first flight of a commercial jet airliner, and the world’s first reverse-thrust jet engine. In 1971, the airfield was closed, but Rolls-Royce continued to test engines nearby until 2008.
Mellors Group says the plans would complement ongoing efforts to “repurpose and revitalise distinctive heritage environments” and also provide amenity facilities for the growing residential developments in and around Hucknall.
The development would further provide 39 marked car parking spaces within the existing parking area to the west of the hangars, as well as cycle storage space.
“Converting this underused historic building into an indoor sports venue would provide active community uses for local residents, schools and community groups, and improve the character of the currently mainly industrial area,” documents add.
“The proposal is to retain the building in its current form and make repairs to the existing roof, corroded and damaged metal doors, and crumbling render finishes and paintwork.
“The great metal hangar doors will be repaired and fixed in place in an open position. The openings created by the opened great doors will be enclosed behind by a new mesh façade.
“Eight new padel courts will be installed. New single-storey internal partitions will be erected to create changing rooms and toilets within the northern lean-to, and staff and storage areas within the main hangar.
“A staircase will also be constructed within the main hangar, leading to a mezzanine viewing platform and seating area.”
Plans will now be reviewed by the council for future determination.
