Creating a permanent home for one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft
Client: BAE Systems
Conlon Construction transformed a former fire station at the historic Woodford Airfield into the Avro Heritage Museum, creating a dedicated visitor destination that celebrates the legacy of British aviation and provides a permanent home for the legendary Vulcan Bomber.
Delivered for BAE Systems, the project preserves an important part of the UK’s aerospace heritage while creating a modern, accessible attraction for visitors, enthusiasts and future generations.
The Challenge
The project required the sensitive transformation of an existing building into a modern museum capable of housing a nationally significant aviation collection, including the museum’s flagship Vulcan Bomber exhibit.
Alongside the exhibition spaces, the facility needed to provide a high-quality visitor experience, incorporating education, archive and event facilities while respecting the site’s historic connection to aircraft manufacturing and aviation innovation.
Our Solution
Conlon delivered a comprehensive refurbishment and extension programme, including:
- Extension and remodelling of the existing fire station building
- Creation of a dedicated exhibition space for the Vulcan Bomber
- Upgrades to mechanical and electrical services throughout
- Roof refurbishment works
- Installation of a new lift and stairwells
- New visitor car parking and external landscaping
- Exhibition galleries and family engagement spaces
- First-floor viewing platform overlooking the aircraft display
- Café, retail and visitor facilities
- Function room and classroom spaces
- Archive rooms and secure storage facilities
- Staff accommodation and welfare facilities
- Relocation and installation of the museum’s existing heritage collection
The Outcome
The completed museum provides a permanent home for the Vulcan Bomber and a fitting tribute to the pioneering aviation heritage associated with Woodford Airfield and the wider Avro legacy.
The facility has created a valuable educational and visitor attraction, preserving nationally important artefacts while inspiring future generations through the story of British engineering, innovation and aerospace achievement.
In recognition of the project’s success, the scheme was awarded the BAE Systems Chairman’s Award for Exceeding Customer Expectations.
As a leading company in the UK’s aviation sector, we have been passionate this project which will protect our aviation heritage, continue the links between Woodford and the aviation sector and inspire future generations.
We are delighted with the results and the collaborative approach of Cassidy + Ashton and Conlon Construction, which has helped the project to be delivered so smoothly. We look forward to seeing the first visitors marvel at the exhibits when the museum opens to the public in August.