August 2023 / September 2023
Stabilising the No. 3 emplacement site
Once the excavation at the Fan Bay emplacements had been completed, the full extent of the damage wreaked on the emplacement buildings by the demolition work in the 1970s became apparent. In some places, the brickwork had been crushed to powder, in others, brick piers had been forcibly detached from the rest of the structure, leading to large cracks.
We have chosen to stabilise the site and present the ruins as they have been discovered. This helps to show the later phases of the site’s history and Eyesore Clearance. It also has parallels with our existing conservation approach at Fan Bay Deep Shelter.
We have chosen reclaimed railway sleepers for the work as this is a material extensively used during the war years in Fan Bay Deep Shelter and using these helps to achieve a visually sympathetic approach. A kind donation secured the necessary sleepers.
The team set to work in unseasonably high temperatures, focused in the enclosed area of the emplacement. The sleepers were cut and secured enabling the brickwork and soil to be retained by the new walls.
The soil slopes will be further stabilised by sowing grass seed. Aided by plentiful seeds from nearby flowers adding to the growth, the roots will bind the soil together, adding further stability.

