Hack Green R.G.H.Q.
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Hack Green Regional Government Head Quarters (RGHQ) 16 Group Shrewsbury.
Originally called RAF Hack Green. It was part of the ROTOR radar programme and G.C.I or Ground Controlled Interception program until 1958 when it was redesignated UK Air Traffic Systems.
Raf Hack Green finaly closed in 1968. But in the 1970s was chosen as one of the RGHQ`s in the event of a Nuclear War. It wasn`t until the 1980s though work began on revamping the bunker at a cost of over £32 million pounds.
In 1984 the bunker became fully operational and could house 140 staff over 35,000 sq ft. over 3 levels.
With the Cold War ending the bunker was no longer needed and in 1993 it was declassified and turned into a Cold War museum.
Inside consists of the B.M.E.W.S. Ballastic Missile Early Warning System. Operations Room, A BBC Studio. Communications Rooms, and a Telephone Exchange. Regional Governmant Head Quarter, and two cinemas and sleeping quarters along with various other rooms of varying functions.
The most striking display inside the bunker is the Trident Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Project Chevaline which is a genuine Nuclear Warhead.
Outside there are various Military vehicles including the nose cone of an Phantom F4 Fighter plane. And the WWII Marconi radar site and hangar from when it was originally RAF Hack Green.
The bunker also has a 35 metre high radio communications tower located near the main entrance, which was used for communications to various other RGHQ`s around the country.
Exploring a museum isnt UE but with so few of these sites still around this is the only chance to actually see what an original RGHQ would of looked like. And so worthy of exploring.
We have seen quite a few ROC posts but never an RGHQ so this was an experience to see the genuine thing as it would of been back when it was operational.
We spent a good few hours wandering around, taking it all in, as well as taking pictures, all in all this place was fascinating and definatley deserves a visit.
An awesome site from the Cold War era.
