The purpose of the building was to form headquarters for the council to direct the rescue services in the event of a Cold War nuclear attack. The town's original emergency defence headquarters were at the ild town hall and then moved to Gravesend police station. The underground facility was relocated to the edge of Woodlands Park after the original facility at the police station became too small.

Bunker Communications Post

Following the deteriorating relationship between the USA and the USSR, the Government constructed several hundred underground nuclear observation bunkers throughout the country.

Civil Defence Sign

Although the bunker was never used, the bunker is now open to the public to explain how operations would have worked and who would have worked them. Groups re-enact the procedure so people can get a feel of what would happen in the event of war. The underground facility offers fascinating displays and rooms; and insight into old-fashioned war procedures and even a video presentation on surviving a nuclear attack recommended by the Government in the 1960's

Tours are available by appointment only and can be booked though TOWNCENTRIC, 01474 33 76 00 or email info@towncentric.co.uk.