As an essential utility, the former Electricity Generating Station on what is now Kingsmead Road was covered by the Public Utilities Civil Defence Act of 1939. Accordingly at some point between 3 February and 10 October 1939 air-raid shelters were provided by the company. A free-standing store - ‘of substantial [brick and concrete] construction and suitable design and [which had] no windows’ - was available as an air-raid shelter for those not immediately involved in maintaining the electricity supply. But the need to continue that supply seems to have been paramount, and other shelter provision was made within the main ranges of the complex. A shelter was provided in the boiler room comprising ‘special reinforced concrete pipes 4ft in diameter - placed in a suitable position, protected by the coal bunkers and sand bags’ There was similar provision in the engine room. One room was allocated as gas-proof. Had there been a gas attack, staff could have used the Corporations decontamination centre ‘adjacent to the Electricity Works’.
Owner : Private
Publicly accessible : Unknown
How accessed for survey :
Tourism Potential :
Condition : Destroyed
Date of visit :

Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). SKE14957.

Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). Ske14957.