Single Image Page

The rear of Pear Tree House, Lambeth's former Civil Defence building in Lunham Road, Upper Norwood, a remnant of the Cold War. The building was built between 1963-1966 as an 18-room bunker below a block of eight flats, initially as a control centre for Civil Defence Region 53a. By the time construction began the nature of defence and government had changed, so the site was designated to be the control centre for the borough, with the existing centre in St Matthew's Road becoming a sub-control. However, in 1979 it was converted into the London SE Group War HQ administered by the GLC. In the late 1980's 'nuclear-free' Lambeth, as landlords, threatened the Civil Defence Authority with eviction, although a compromise was reached and it was not until 1993 that they vacated. The bunker is entered through a blast door into the 'Intake Room' - it also includes a Radio Room, Health & Welfare Rooms, Communications Centre and a Control Room. Dated 27th November 1967.

Details
Collection:	Department of Town Planning
Image type:	Photograph
Artist:
Ref:	10461
Identifier:	LBL/DTP/UD/6/2/4/343
Date:	1967

---