Fenced off from the surrounding area, lies MOD Feltham. This is a secure military installation. It spans 30 acres.
MOD Feltham has a rich history. It dates back to World War I. Let’s take a closer look.
The War Department acquired this land during the First World War. By 1917, it served as an Air Acceptance Park. It even had its own aerodrome.
After the war, in 1922, the Royal Army Service Corps took over. It became their Mechanical Transport Depot. In 1923, Feltham House was purchased. It served as an officers’ mess.
Feltham House has an interesting past. It was likely built in the 1770s. The Villebois family owned it first. Later, “Cabbage King” Alfred Smith bought it in 1897. Feltham House is a Grade II listed building. James Wyatt designed its interiors. Sadly, it is now unoccupied. It is on the Heritage at Risk Register.
By the 1930s, barrack blocks were built. They stood in rows south of Feltham House. Large sheds to the east were linked to the railway by tramlines. The eastern part of the site was for playing fields.
During World War II, it became No. 1 Vehicle Reserve Depot. It housed the RASC’s Mechanical Transport Stores Depot. It also had a Heavy Repair Shop and Driving School.
After the war, Feltham continued as a Central Vehicle Depot. Later, it became a Central Ordnance Depot. In 1962, military intelligence moved in. They specialized in cartographic data.
The closure of CVD Feltham was announced in 1969. In 1970, COD Feltham became an Ordnance Support Unit. The tramways were removed in the 1970s. A large area was sold for redevelopment. OSU Feltham closed in 1996.
In the 21st century, the Defence Geographic Centre used the site. Its primary role was providing maps and data for UK defence. The Defence HUMINT Organisation was also based here.
In 2012, DGC had 400 staff. Its library held over 700,000 maps. DHO had 350 personnel.
In 2016, MOD Feltham was set for disposal. The expected closure date was 2023. This was later extended to 2025.
The project will deliver 1500 new dwellings for Feltham located close to the Town Centre and within Feltham Housing Zone. The project is a brownfield site redevelopment of a 14Ha MOD defence infrastructure site with a Grade II Listed Officer’s mess building to be repurposed. The MOD anticipates releasing the site by 2019.
So, as we stand here today, MOD Feltham is preparing for a new chapter. From military depot to potential housing. This site has seen significant change. It reflects the evolving needs of Feltham and the nation.