Forgotten WWII air raid shelter brought back to life for lessons in local history
Last updated: 11/2/2025
An air raid shelter which was closed and forgotten for decades has been fully restored to allow schoolchildren and history enthusiasts to experience what it was like to take shelter from bombs during World War II.
A two-year partnership between Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Rushcliffe Borough Council has brought the Abbey Circus Air Raid Shelter, in West Bridgford, back to life for schools and the community to experience.
Officially opening on 13 February, the shelter, in Abbey Circus, has been fully restored with a £40,000 grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, matched with funding from Rushcliffe Borough Council and NTU.
The project aims to allow primary schoolchildren to learn about local history, the experience of World War II in West Bridgford and the history of air raid shelters.
Children, who will visit the shelter as part of a broader study day, will also get the opportunity to discover a collection of artefacts related to World War II, and even enjoy air raid warden training as part of role play activities on the site.
The historic structure has been secured internally and externally, with access and ventilation improved. Wooden benches have been created and installed throughout, featuring brackets which were salvaged from the original furniture. LED lighting has been fitted beneath the benches for improved visibility, and a pop-up screen has been installed for educational films to illustrate the history of the shelter.
The creative content for the project, including an animated film, an activity leaflet, and the signage, was designed and delivered by illustration students from the Nottingham School of Art & Design at NTU, who used colours and fonts commonly seen during WWII to give a nostalgic feel.
Professor Chris Reynolds, a professor of Contemporary European History and Memory Studies at NTU’s School of Arts and Humanities, who led the project said: "The successful redevelopment of the Abbey Circus Air-Raid Shelter provides an invaluable educational resource for schools to explore the local experience of World War II.
"It brings to life an abandoned structure that many local families and children walk past every day without realising its historical significance and value.
"By transforming the shelter into an educational space, we aim to give the site a renewed purpose of bringing our local history to life and enthusing our young people about the history on their doorsteps.
"This project continues an important strand of my broader research that aims to establish potent connections and opportunities between the study of the past and education. Bringing history to life for young people helps demonstrate the importance of the study of the past and can inspire historians of the future.
"This project is a fine example of how NTU research and teaching can have an impact in the local community.
"Projects such as this demonstrate the link between our research and how it is important and invaluable for the preservation and exploration of our local heritage."
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan added: "This is an exciting restoration project that will tell us more about how this historic community air raid shelter was used during World War II.
"It’s fantastic to see its transformation which is bringing an important part of West Bridgford’s and Rushcliffe’s history to life.
"We’ve supported this project through our UK Shared Prosperity Fund and provided match funding to help redevelop the site and preserve the rich history it holds.
"We’re looking forward to seeing the site fully open for local school children, residents and visitors where they can learn more about the wartime air raid shelter through new signage, educational activities and videos.
"Thank you to Chris and NTU for their vision and enthusiasm for this local landmark."
