Z Sector Operations Building

The Sir Keith Park Building and Heritage Project

Building No.27 was constructed in 1927 as a standard operations building for an airfield capable of supporting the operation of three fighter squadrons. With war looking likely in Europe, resulting in the expansion of the Royal Air Force, Fighter Command was formed in July 1936 and Air Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding was appointed its head.

RAF Northolt, a key aerodrome within No.11 Group, commanded by Sir Keith Park, (himself a former Northolt Station commander) was the closest fighter station to HQ Fighter Command at Bentley Priory, Stanmore. Between 1936 and 1939 Dowding decided to run a series of trials and air exercises using Building 27 which resulted in the evolution of the system, the personnel, and the layout of the building. This design became the standard template along with Hornchurch in Essex that was rolled out across Fighter Command. Due to its vulnerability to air attack, Building 27 was closed as an operational asset on 17th June 1940, after which it was used for the purposes of training Sector Control staff. Post war it was used as offices 2007 when it was closed and scheduled for demolition. Fortunately, it survived long enough to become Grade II listed, and its restoration began in 2010.

When it is complete the renovated and fully working building will run simulations and re-enactments of events from the Battle of Britain for the purposes of training forthcoming generations of Aerospace Battlespace Managers. These are the key personnel within the modern RAF Battlespace Management Force and the Air Surveillance and Control System. In addition, the building will be used to facilitate the education of younger generation of Air Training Corps and school children about the heritage and ethos of the Royal Air Force.