RAF Driffield – The Wilderness Years 1996/2006
As the RAF Ensign was lowered over Driffield that final day in June 1996, there were high hopes that the camp’s demise would create new business opportunities and jobs. No one guessed that over ten years later, the site would remain undeveloped and in a poor state of disrepair. For those who knew RAF Driffield, the site today presents a pitiful and heartbreaking sight, overgrown with weeds and uncut grass. The hedgerows have also grown out of manageable control, while some trees have fallen in strong winds. Paths and roads are cracked and overgrown with even more weeds, while the condition of the buildings is a concern for those who wish to see the site preserved.
Prior to the camp’s closure, a low key “Expressions of Interest” campaign was launched by Manchester based CB Hiller Parker. Interestingly, despite the MoD’s desire to “get rid”, they refused to talk figures, and it was left to careless talk in Manchester to spill the beans. This revealed a figure of £50,000 per acre being considered “good value for money”, which equated to a £3.6m price tag for the 72 acre site. There were, unsurprisingly, few takers and the site remained unsold, though rumours at the time suggested that an offer made by one developer of £3m was rejected.
The Museum of Army Transport
During this early period of indecision, it was announced that the Museum of Army Transport in Beverley were considering a move to RAF Driffield. Talking to the museum’s Curator (Wally Dugan) at the time, it was clearly evident that they had ambitious plans. Described as being only surpassed by Euro Disney in size and popularity, the new visitor attraction at Driffield would encompass a new landmark museum structure (humongous in size) and a large demonstration area, namely the airfield. The idea was to stage a daily parade of military vehicles, and to create a number of staged shows featuring a variety of trucks and tanks, with theatrical ‘extras’ dressed for the occasion. There were even plans to include a working railway and taxiing transport aircraft.
Even the East Riding of Yorkshire Borough Council were impressed enough to fork out £10,000 towards a feasibility study. It was around this time that the National Lottery was about to “make you rich”, and those connected with the UK’s heritage and tourist industry were also thinking big.
But what about RAF Driffield?
Well, it appears that most of the buildings would have been demolished, to make room for either the main display hall or for the thousands of car-parking spaces needed for the expected hordes of visitors. The hangars would have survived – required to house the “reserve collection”. But it was never to be.
Quite clearly, the museum was too ambitious, while early lottery funded “capital projects” proved disastrous. This indicated that big and bold wasn’t always best. Or perhaps the curator was just trying to pull my leg? The Museum of Army Transport never made it to Driffield, and sadly it was force to close in 2003.
After years of uncertainty (and temporary closure), the museum was sold to the National Army Museum, but the decline of this popular attraction was terminal – partially due to crippling overheads and mounting debts. The museum first arrived on the scene with the arrival of the Royal Corps of Transport at Leconfield in 1977. At first, the diverse range of vehicles was housed in one of the disused hangars, before being moved to the centre of Beverley in the 1980s.
I believe the biggest problem encountered was the perception by many that Army transport equated to trucks, and only trucks. In reality, the museum housed a vast array of exhibits, including railway locomotives and staff cars. The juxtaposition between vehicles and the smaller exhibits made for an interesting and exciting place to visit.
Army Cadet Force
After the final closure of the camp in June 1996, the Army Cadet Force fenced off the guardroom, station headquarters, sick quarters and the former single sergeant’s quarters, creating an enclave. Unlike the rest of the site, it is well looked after, though it must be noted that more could be done to preserve the character and fabric of this part of RAF Driffield. For example, the iron railings and main entrance gates – so typical of the 1930s expansion period – were recently removed and replaced with modern fencing and gates. It would have been beneficial to have had the original railings restored or replaced with like-for-like copies. In recent years, the ACF have added a new-build indoor firing range and a couple of mobile classrooms.
The Army Cadet Force first established itself at Driffield in 1977, following the departure of the Royal Air Force. The enclave is currently home to the County Headquarters and Training Centre, the Driffield detachment ACF (affiliated to the Parachute Regiment), and No.873 (Driffield) Squadron ATC.
Gone, but not Forgotten
In 1997, the water tower, which some said was in danger of collapsing, was pulled down – a job which was expected to take but weeks. No one told the water tower, which resisted any attempt to remove it, with the demolition taking months to complete. Talking to Wally Dugan (Museum of Army Transport), the cost of renovating the tower was estimated to be in the region of £250,000 and therefore beyond economical repair. Other buildings removed during this period were the remaining side walls of Hangar 5, the decontamination centre (unwounded), the rations store and the combined mortuary and ambulance station. This final structure was used in recent years as a gas chamber (for training army recruits in NCB warfare) and might well have been contaminated.
While the officer’s mess and the airmen’s married quarters have been fenced off, this has not prevented some vandalism, and many windows have inevitability been smashed. It is rumoured that the SAS visited the site in the late 1990s, using several buildings to practice the rapid entry of blockaded rooms using explosives. The Prison Service has also used a number of accommodation blocks to train officers in riot control and prisoner restraint techniques. This has resulted in much internal damage to some of the buildings.
Armed police officers made even more of an impression, as it is rumoured that a hostage rescue exercise didn’t quite go to plan. During a staged rescue, a rogue “Flash Bang” grenade started a fire, resulting in adjoining Warrant Officer’s Married Quarters (Air Ministry Drawing No.193/35) being lost. The burnt out remains were later removed.
In early 2000, HBSV (Leeds based property surveyors) were finally brought in to market the site on behalf of the MoD, and it was thought likely that RAF Driffield would be sold before the end of the year. Although information was scarce (due to reasons of confidentiality), there were several “serious” expressions of interest from developers who had the funds to redevelop the site.
The preferred method of disposal of this freehold property was: “an initial consideration, paid upon an unconditional sale, with further payments receivable by the vendor for a period of fifteen years under a ‘clawback’ arrangement.” In effect, HBSV and its clients (Defence Estates) were looking for an initial modest payment, topped up with additional profit share or “clawback” payments to the vendor (MoD) once planning consent or alternative use(s) were obtained by the purchaser.
One developer, it has been claimed, was willing to hand over the profits of every fourth house built as part-payment for the site. However, the highest “initial consideration” was thought to be only £1.2m, and this may have contributed towards the MoD’s decision to withdraw the site from sale.
What was evident is that the preservation of RAF Driffield as a historical site was not a consideration. In a written reply to one of my letters sent to HBSV, it was made clear that whatever the outcome, RAF Driffield’s days were numbered: “You refer to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s report 'The Disposal of Historic Buildings'. This is aimed at buildings of architectural or historic interest, such as listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens or buildings which contribute to a Conservation Area. It appears inappropriate to seek to categorise Alamein Barracks as a property suitable for such consideration."
Defence Estate Strategy
In late December 2000, those who expressed an interest in RAF Driffield were informed that the site had been taken off the market. Earlier in June 2000, the Secretary of State launched the Defence Estate Strategy, which included an examination of current Defence Estate needs across the whole country, to establish which sites should form the basis of the long term 'optimal estate’. These 'core sites' were to be the focus of future capital investment by the MoD.
The concept was simple: you move military units from the South of England (where land prices are much higher) to the North of England (where most recruits originate). In developing “Super Camps”, where several units – maybe from more than one service – would relocate on one site, the MoD would thereafter make a financial killing, selling surplus, not to mention more valuable, ‘brownfield’ RAF bases and Army barracks in the south.
Although a cost effective process, it has become a protracted one, with only one scheme so far being announced – that of the ‘MoD London Estate’ or MoDEL. “The programme, which is subject to consultation and approval, is expected to be largely self funding (through the sale of surplus land in and around London). It will concentrate on developing two core MoD sites (RAF Northolt and Woolwich Barracks) and one US Navy core site at RAF Uxbridge, once the MoD has vacated. The aim is to reduce the number of MoD sites within this plan from approximately fourteen down to just three.”
Despite this change in direction, the preservation or even acknowledgement that Driffield is a site of historical importance or value was still not a relevant concern. This was affirmed in a letter from Defence Estates – Catterick, who wrote: “Although the work was at an early stage, RAF Driffield was considered to have significant potential to be re-used to accommodate a range of defence functions. It was not possible to say at that stage whether this would involve the refurbishment of the existing buildings, some of which are in poor condition, new build, or a combination of the two. What was and still is unlikely however is that the site will be preserved in its historical format as this would be unlikely to meet the needs of current occupiers.”
Defence Training Review
In recent years, the Ministry of Defence has undertaken a comprehensive review of military training. Aptly named the Defence Training Review, it recommended that all defence logistical training (for all three armed services) be combined and placed in one small geographical location. One proposal was to locate the headquarters of the newly formed Defence College of Logistics (DCL) at Driffield, together with the Defence Food Services School (DFSS), Defence Logistics and Supply School (DLSS) and 25 Training Support Regiment – Royal Corps of Logistics, with an expanded Defence Transport School (DTS) remaining at Leconfield.
At Driffield, the new training camp would have accommodated 1870 Trainees, 466 Military Staff and 284 Civilian Contractors, resulting in a population of 2,650.
According to the Defence Training Review process, Driffield was described thus: “All of the buildings on the former technical site (excluding the hangars) are in a semi-derelict state and are beyond economic repair and refurbishment. The services infrastructure is considered to be poor. The site has no gas supply or oil storage system, and all other services have been disconnected and the infrastructure deteriorated beyond repair. However, the utilities companies confirmed that adequate capacity exists to supply the site.”
To facilitate the Defence College of Logistics, “it will be necessary to rationalise the existing access arrangements and provide a single access off a new roundabout opposite the junction of the A614 with Auchinleck Close. The internal access roads are in fair to poor condition, with significant weed growth in many areas, and it is probable that few sections of the existing road network will be retained to service the DCL. New car parking areas would also need to be provided at appropriate locations throughout the site.”
New facilities to have been built at Driffield would have included dedicated training and office accommodation (around 300,000 square feet). Each of the Defence Schools would have also required specific external training areas. In addition, single living accommodation (barrack blocks) and new dining facilities for 2058 personnel (all ranks) would have been built, along with support, welfare and recreation facilities. An increased civilian population of 284 would have placed additional demands on the local housing market, while an estimated 141 married quarters would have been built.
Looking at the proposal, it is probable that Driffield was deemed too small for such a large and substantial development. Not surprisingly, it was recently announced that the above training establishments would be located at RAF St. Athan in Wales. The good news is that the Defence Transport School will remain at Leconfield.
Rural Payments Agency
Since the early 1980s, the four remaining “C Type” aircraft hangars were used to store grain by the Rural Payments Agency formally the Intervention Board). Compared to the rest of the camp, the hangars were a credit to the Rural Payments Agency and are well preserved. In August 2003, approximately 2,000 tons of grain left the stores at Driffield, marking the closure of these facilities. Valued at £1.053m, the hangars were finally sold through Lambert Smith Hampton in early 2006 to Driffield Business Park Limited Liability Partnership, which has a registered office in North Newbald. Thankfully, the future of these giant structures is assured, as they have all now been leased to various businesses, for around £1.50 per square foot, per annum.
Since October 2006, the hangars proved a popular venue for a car boot sale and indoor market, with an estimated 5,000 visitors turning up during the first day of trading. Visitors from far and wide descended on the site every Thursday (and then Saturday), before the final hangar was leased in March 2008. This successful market then operated from the nearby Driffield Show Ground. While on camp, HP Markets (owned by Keith Bemrose) discovered that a number of visitors came especially to explore the site and soak up the unique atmosphere.
Auchinleck Close (1950/60s era Airmen’s Married Quarters)
Throughout the 1990s, the houses on Auchinleck Close were released for sale on the open market. These were mostly refurbished and eagerly snapped up, mainly by first time buyers. As the years have passed, some homeowners have built extensions, garages and fenced off their front gardens. Plastic uPVC windows have replaced the traditional metal window frames, while the original doors have also been replaced with a variety of modern designs. To the South of Auchinleck Close, a new housing estate is in the process of being built on what was once a grass field. Southwood Park will eventually contain approximately 60 new dwellings. In recent years, the SNCO houses on Ramsden Close, and the Officer Married Quarters on Gott Close, have also been placed on the market.
FOR SALE
Buried in a recent (late 2006) list of surplus MoD properties that await disposal could be found “Alamein Barracks”, formally known as RAF Driffield. After ten years of indecision, the MoD finally concluded they could find no new use for this historic site. The former RAF camp at Driffield was to be marketed by GVA Grimley, a leading specialist in the sale of Government surplus land and property.
According to GVA Grimley’s marketing literature, “the site extends to approximately 27.31 hectares (67.48 acres) and comprises the technical and living area of former RAF Driffield. It is occupied by a range of buildings consistent with its former use, including officer’s mess, admin/medical centre, barrack blocks, firing range, workshops/garages and ancillary buildings. Also included in the sale is Lumsden Close, which comprises 68 former married quarters. The existing buildings/structures on site are estimated to extend to approximately 390,300 square feet.
“The site is being sold by formal sealed tender, to be received at the Leeds offices of GVA Grimley, by no later than twelve noon on Friday, March 2nd 2007. All tenders should include a signed sales contract together with a bankers cheque for 10% of the Tender value. The successful purchaser will be required to complete the sale within 28 calendar days, following formal notification of acceptance of their bid. It is intended that formal notification will be given by Friday March 9th at the latest. Tenders should also include Planning Clawback and Overage in accordance with the Defence Estates standard Clawback and Overage provisions.”
Before the sale, the Army Cadet Force at Driffield were able to enlarge its enclave, to include the Airmen’s dining hall, part of the parade ground and land south of the Station Sick Quarters (on which the 1930s decontamination block once stood).
The airfield is still used by the Army Training Estate and will remain MoD property for the foreseeable future. With recent changes to planning guidelines (PPG3), the airfield at Driffield is now considered a “brownfield” redevelopment opportunity. Rumour has it that the airfield will probably remain MoD property, until the adjoining camp has been fully redeveloped. Thereafter, the airfield itself will become a prime opportunity for redevelopment, and accordingly its value will substantially increase. It has been suggested that the MoD will retain the airfield until 2016. Another rumour?
As the RAF Ensign was lowered over Driffield that final day in June 1996, there were high hopes that the camp’s demise would create new business opportunities and jobs. No one guessed that over ten years later, the site would remain undeveloped and in a poor state of disrepair. For those who knew RAF Driffield, the site today presents a pitiful and heartbreaking sight, overgrown with weeds and uncut grass. The hedgerows have also grown out of manageable control, while some trees have fallen in strong winds. Paths and roads are cracked and overgrown with even more weeds, while the condition of the buildings is a concern for those who wish to see the site preserved.
Prior to the camp’s closure, a low key “Expressions of Interest” campaign was launched by Manchester based CB Hiller Parker. Interestingly, despite the MoD’s desire to “get rid”, they refused to talk figures, and it was left to careless talk in Manchester to spill the beans. This revealed a figure of £50,000 per acre being considered “good value for money”, which equated to a £3.6m price tag for the 72 acre site. There were, unsurprisingly, few takers and the site remained unsold, though rumours at the time suggested that an offer made by one developer of £3m was rejected.
The Museum of Army Transport
During this early period of indecision, it was announced that the Museum of Army Transport in Beverley were considering a move to RAF Driffield. Talking to the museum’s Curator (Wally Dugan) at the time, it was clearly evident that they had ambitious plans. Described as being only surpassed by Euro Disney in size and popularity, the new visitor attraction at Driffield would encompass a new landmark museum structure (humongous in size) and a large demonstration area, namely the airfield. The idea was to stage a daily parade of military vehicles, and to create a number of staged shows featuring a variety of trucks and tanks, with theatrical ‘extras’ dressed for the occasion. There were even plans to include a working railway and taxiing transport aircraft.
Even the East Riding of Yorkshire Borough Council were impressed enough to fork out £10,000 towards a feasibility study. It was around this time that the National Lottery was about to “make you rich”, and those connected with the UK’s heritage and tourist industry were also thinking big.
But what about RAF Driffield?
Well, it appears that most of the buildings would have been demolished, to make room for either the main display hall or for the thousands of car-parking spaces needed for the expected hordes of visitors. The hangars would have survived – required to house the “reserve collection”. But it was never to be.
Quite clearly, the museum was too ambitious, while early lottery funded “capital projects” proved disastrous. This indicated that big and bold wasn’t always best. Or perhaps the curator was just trying to pull my leg? The Museum of Army Transport never made it to Driffield, and sadly it was force to close in 2003.
After years of uncertainty (and temporary closure), the museum was sold to the National Army Museum, but the decline of this popular attraction was terminal – partially due to crippling overheads and mounting debts. The museum first arrived on the scene with the arrival of the Royal Corps of Transport at Leconfield in 1977. At first, the diverse range of vehicles was housed in one of the disused hangars, before being moved to the centre of Beverley in the 1980s.
I believe the biggest problem encountered was the perception by many that Army transport equated to trucks, and only trucks. In reality, the museum housed a vast array of exhibits, including railway locomotives and staff cars. The juxtaposition between vehicles and the smaller exhibits made for an interesting and exciting place to visit.
Army Cadet Force
After the final closure of the camp in June 1996, the Army Cadet Force fenced off the guardroom, station headquarters, sick quarters and the former single sergeant’s quarters, creating an enclave. Unlike the rest of the site, it is well looked after, though it must be noted that more could be done to preserve the character and fabric of this part of RAF Driffield. For example, the iron railings and main entrance gates – so typical of the 1930s expansion period – were recently removed and replaced with modern fencing and gates. It would have been beneficial to have had the original railings restored or replaced with like-for-like copies. In recent years, the ACF have added a new-build indoor firing range and a couple of mobile classrooms.
The Army Cadet Force first established itself at Driffield in 1977, following the departure of the Royal Air Force. The enclave is currently home to the County Headquarters and Training Centre, the Driffield detachment ACF (affiliated to the Parachute Regiment), and No.873 (Driffield) Squadron ATC.
Gone, but not Forgotten
In 1997, the water tower, which some said was in danger of collapsing, was pulled down – a job which was expected to take but weeks. No one told the water tower, which resisted any attempt to remove it, with the demolition taking months to complete. Talking to Wally Dugan (Museum of Army Transport), the cost of renovating the tower was estimated to be in the region of £250,000 and therefore beyond economical repair. Other buildings removed during this period were the remaining side walls of Hangar 5, the decontamination centre (unwounded), the rations store and the combined mortuary and ambulance station. This final structure was used in recent years as a gas chamber (for training army recruits in NCB warfare) and might well have been contaminated.
While the officer’s mess and the airmen’s married quarters have been fenced off, this has not prevented some vandalism, and many windows have inevitability been smashed. It is rumoured that the SAS visited the site in the late 1990s, using several buildings to practice the rapid entry of blockaded rooms using explosives. The Prison Service has also used a number of accommodation blocks to train officers in riot control and prisoner restraint techniques. This has resulted in much internal damage to some of the buildings.
Armed police officers made even more of an impression, as it is rumoured that a hostage rescue exercise didn’t quite go to plan. During a staged rescue, a rogue “Flash Bang” grenade started a fire, resulting in adjoining Warrant Officer’s Married Quarters (Air Ministry Drawing No.193/35) being lost. The burnt out remains were later removed.
In early 2000, HBSV (Leeds based property surveyors) were finally brought in to market the site on behalf of the MoD, and it was thought likely that RAF Driffield would be sold before the end of the year. Although information was scarce (due to reasons of confidentiality), there were several “serious” expressions of interest from developers who had the funds to redevelop the site.
The preferred method of disposal of this freehold property was: “an initial consideration, paid upon an unconditional sale, with further payments receivable by the vendor for a period of fifteen years under a ‘clawback’ arrangement.” In effect, HBSV and its clients (Defence Estates) were looking for an initial modest payment, topped up with additional profit share or “clawback” payments to the vendor (MoD) once planning consent or alternative use(s) were obtained by the purchaser.
One developer, it has been claimed, was willing to hand over the profits of every fourth house built as part-payment for the site. However, the highest “initial consideration” was thought to be only £1.2m, and this may have contributed towards the MoD’s decision to withdraw the site from sale.
What was evident is that the preservation of RAF Driffield as a historical site was not a consideration. In a written reply to one of my letters sent to HBSV, it was made clear that whatever the outcome, RAF Driffield’s days were numbered: “You refer to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s report 'The Disposal of Historic Buildings'. This is aimed at buildings of architectural or historic interest, such as listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens or buildings which contribute to a Conservation Area. It appears inappropriate to seek to categorise Alamein Barracks as a property suitable for such consideration."
Defence Estate Strategy
In late December 2000, those who expressed an interest in RAF Driffield were informed that the site had been taken off the market. Earlier in June 2000, the Secretary of State launched the Defence Estate Strategy, which included an examination of current Defence Estate needs across the whole country, to establish which sites should form the basis of the long term 'optimal estate’. These 'core sites' were to be the focus of future capital investment by the MoD.
The concept was simple: you move military units from the South of England (where land prices are much higher) to the North of England (where most recruits originate). In developing “Super Camps”, where several units – maybe from more than one service – would relocate on one site, the MoD would thereafter make a financial killing, selling surplus, not to mention more valuable, ‘brownfield’ RAF bases and Army barracks in the south.
Although a cost effective process, it has become a protracted one, with only one scheme so far being announced – that of the ‘MoD London Estate’ or MoDEL. “The programme, which is subject to consultation and approval, is expected to be largely self funding (through the sale of surplus land in and around London). It will concentrate on developing two core MoD sites (RAF Northolt and Woolwich Barracks) and one US Navy core site at RAF Uxbridge, once the MoD has vacated. The aim is to reduce the number of MoD sites within this plan from approximately fourteen down to just three.”
Despite this change in direction, the preservation or even acknowledgement that Driffield is a site of historical importance or value was still not a relevant concern. This was affirmed in a letter from Defence Estates – Catterick, who wrote: “Although the work was at an early stage, RAF Driffield was considered to have significant potential to be re-used to accommodate a range of defence functions. It was not possible to say at that stage whether this would involve the refurbishment of the existing buildings, some of which are in poor condition, new build, or a combination of the two. What was and still is unlikely however is that the site will be preserved in its historical format as this would be unlikely to meet the needs of current occupiers.”
Defence Training Review
In recent years, the Ministry of Defence has undertaken a comprehensive review of military training. Aptly named the Defence Training Review, it recommended that all defence logistical training (for all three armed services) be combined and placed in one small geographical location. One proposal was to locate the headquarters of the newly formed Defence College of Logistics (DCL) at Driffield, together with the Defence Food Services School (DFSS), Defence Logistics and Supply School (DLSS) and 25 Training Support Regiment – Royal Corps of Logistics, with an expanded Defence Transport School (DTS) remaining at Leconfield.
At Driffield, the new training camp would have accommodated 1870 Trainees, 466 Military Staff and 284 Civilian Contractors, resulting in a population of 2,650.
According to the Defence Training Review process, Driffield was described thus: “All of the buildings on the former technical site (excluding the hangars) are in a semi-derelict state and are beyond economic repair and refurbishment. The services infrastructure is considered to be poor. The site has no gas supply or oil storage system, and all other services have been disconnected and the infrastructure deteriorated beyond repair. However, the utilities companies confirmed that adequate capacity exists to supply the site.”
To facilitate the Defence College of Logistics, “it will be necessary to rationalise the existing access arrangements and provide a single access off a new roundabout opposite the junction of the A614 with Auchinleck Close. The internal access roads are in fair to poor condition, with significant weed growth in many areas, and it is probable that few sections of the existing road network will be retained to service the DCL. New car parking areas would also need to be provided at appropriate locations throughout the site.”
New facilities to have been built at Driffield would have included dedicated training and office accommodation (around 300,000 square feet). Each of the Defence Schools would have also required specific external training areas. In addition, single living accommodation (barrack blocks) and new dining facilities for 2058 personnel (all ranks) would have been built, along with support, welfare and recreation facilities. An increased civilian population of 284 would have placed additional demands on the local housing market, while an estimated 141 married quarters would have been built.
Looking at the proposal, it is probable that Driffield was deemed too small for such a large and substantial development. Not surprisingly, it was recently announced that the above training establishments would be located at RAF St. Athan in Wales. The good news is that the Defence Transport School will remain at Leconfield.
Rural Payments Agency
Since the early 1980s, the four remaining “C Type” aircraft hangars were used to store grain by the Rural Payments Agency formally the Intervention Board). Compared to the rest of the camp, the hangars were a credit to the Rural Payments Agency and are well preserved. In August 2003, approximately 2,000 tons of grain left the stores at Driffield, marking the closure of these facilities. Valued at £1.053m, the hangars were finally sold through Lambert Smith Hampton in early 2006 to Driffield Business Park Limited Liability Partnership, which has a registered office in North Newbald. Thankfully, the future of these giant structures is assured, as they have all now been leased to various businesses, for around £1.50 per square foot, per annum.
Since October 2006, the hangars proved a popular venue for a car boot sale and indoor market, with an estimated 5,000 visitors turning up during the first day of trading. Visitors from far and wide descended on the site every Thursday (and then Saturday), before the final hangar was leased in March 2008. This successful market then operated from the nearby Driffield Show Ground. While on camp, HP Markets (owned by Keith Bemrose) discovered that a number of visitors came especially to explore the site and soak up the unique atmosphere.
Auchinleck Close (1950/60s era Airmen’s Married Quarters)
Throughout the 1990s, the houses on Auchinleck Close were released for sale on the open market. These were mostly refurbished and eagerly snapped up, mainly by first time buyers. As the years have passed, some homeowners have built extensions, garages and fenced off their front gardens. Plastic uPVC windows have replaced the traditional metal window frames, while the original doors have also been replaced with a variety of modern designs. To the South of Auchinleck Close, a new housing estate is in the process of being built on what was once a grass field. Southwood Park will eventually contain approximately 60 new dwellings. In recent years, the SNCO houses on Ramsden Close, and the Officer Married Quarters on Gott Close, have also been placed on the market.
FOR SALE
Buried in a recent (late 2006) list of surplus MoD properties that await disposal could be found “Alamein Barracks”, formally known as RAF Driffield. After ten years of indecision, the MoD finally concluded they could find no new use for this historic site. The former RAF camp at Driffield was to be marketed by GVA Grimley, a leading specialist in the sale of Government surplus land and property.
According to GVA Grimley’s marketing literature, “the site extends to approximately 27.31 hectares (67.48 acres) and comprises the technical and living area of former RAF Driffield. It is occupied by a range of buildings consistent with its former use, including officer’s mess, admin/medical centre, barrack blocks, firing range, workshops/garages and ancillary buildings. Also included in the sale is Lumsden Close, which comprises 68 former married quarters. The existing buildings/structures on site are estimated to extend to approximately 390,300 square feet.
“The site is being sold by formal sealed tender, to be received at the Leeds offices of GVA Grimley, by no later than twelve noon on Friday, March 2nd 2007. All tenders should include a signed sales contract together with a bankers cheque for 10% of the Tender value. The successful purchaser will be required to complete the sale within 28 calendar days, following formal notification of acceptance of their bid. It is intended that formal notification will be given by Friday March 9th at the latest. Tenders should also include Planning Clawback and Overage in accordance with the Defence Estates standard Clawback and Overage provisions.”
Before the sale, the Army Cadet Force at Driffield were able to enlarge its enclave, to include the Airmen’s dining hall, part of the parade ground and land south of the Station Sick Quarters (on which the 1930s decontamination block once stood).
The airfield is still used by the Army Training Estate and will remain MoD property for the foreseeable future. With recent changes to planning guidelines (PPG3), the airfield at Driffield is now considered a “brownfield” redevelopment opportunity. Rumour has it that the airfield will probably remain MoD property, until the adjoining camp has been fully redeveloped. Thereafter, the airfield itself will become a prime opportunity for redevelopment, and accordingly its value will substantially increase. It has been suggested that the MoD will retain the airfield until 2016. Another rumour?
