Following the devastating fire at Old Sarum Airfield in April which resulted in damage to the Grade II listed World War One hangar and the neighbouring Hangar 3 Café, we are aware of some concern over airborne asbestos contamination and general local debate regarding the future restoration of the listed hangar.
Since the fire we have arranged for external air quality consultants to conduct onsite testing and are pleased to assure people that there is no airborne asbestos contamination.
We have also had a very constructive onsite meeting with Historic England and it was agreed that it appears that considerable parts of the masonry structure of the building was still intact and capable of restoration.
We have agreed the first steps, which will be the clearance of the site and a full structural survey of brickwork.
We have already instructed structural engineers to undertake the structural survey and await its findings. The clearance of debris from the site is a priority, and we are in discussions with contractors to carry out this work.
We are actively supporting the investigation being carried out by Wiltshire Police and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, and we will communicate regularly to inform people of the progress with the next steps and the subsequent renovation of the hangar.
We are also very pleased that GoSkydive have recommenced parachuting flights from Old Sarum Airfield.
