MCA Coastguard Training Centre, Christchurch Sept 2019

[mookster]

Had this place on my list to check out whenever I was down on the south coast, as I can't recall ever seeing photos of it before.

Sadly, it was a bit of a disappointment, as the local kids have obviously used it as their hangout spot and a lot of it is trashed and tagged. But if you don't go, you'll never know right! It did have a few small plus points, one being it's literally a stones throw from the seaside and the second being the cafe at the other end of the promenade which does a brilliant Full English Breakfast.

The site comprises of nine buildings, it was built in 1943 as a signals research and development establishment operated by the Ministry of Defence developing radar, radio, night vision and optical fibre technology until 1980 when the Maritime & Coastguard Agency took it over and used it as a training centre for Coastguards. It closed around 2014 and has a current planning application in place for demolition of the site and construction of houses.

So overall not the best place ever, but it was part of a very enjoyable day down on the south coast seeing various things with @Landie_Man so not all was lost.

Thanks for looking ​

 

[smiler]

Not much to complain about there Mook, decent set a pics An interesting nose about plus a good breakfast, Result, Loved it, Thanks

 

[KJurbex]

Looks like an interesting explore to be fair, not one of your everyday visits. Fair bit of history around it as well which is always a bonus!

 

[Sabtr]

Have to agree with others. It's an interesting site that. A fair bit left to see too including doors with portholes??
Shame about that graff and damaged bits but what's left far outweighs that.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Potter]

Something like this should be made into a museum/visitor centre.

 

[urban-dorset]

Something like this should be made into a museum/visitor centre.

Nice idea, but nothing in the Bournemouth/Poole/Christchurch area etc is ever made into museums or visitor centres. It's all flats, flats and more flats, or massive glass houses that are usually quite tacky. It's all about money down here.