Killingworth, Anti-Aircraft Supply Depot

Anti-Aircraft Ordnance Depot No 75 was built as a facility for servicing anti-aircraft batteries defending the area north of the River Tyne. Another one exists for south of the Tyne (HER 1829). It was built c.1938 and is one of a small number of known Emergency Equipment Ammunition Magazines (EEAM) constructed throughout the UK in anticipation of war. It had a dual function - to act as the primary local supply depot for ammunition used by anti-aircraft facilities in the area and to act as a centre for storage and maintenance of vehicles and armaments required by the batteries. The complex was split into three - an ammunition storage zone, vehicle/arms storage zone and acomodation, welfare and administration zone. Subsequent to the war the complex served as a depot for vehicle maintenance by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) until 1976. Between 1979 and the mid 1990s the complex was used as a central store for the Area Health Authority. Many buildings were demolished or altered at this time. Since the mid 1990s the buildings have been out of use and falling into disrepair. The complex was recorded in 2014 by NAA ahead of proposed redevelopment of the site. The survey found that the extent of the original depot is poor. Fourteen buildings remain (from 34) in a poor condition.The significance of the site is in the complex as a whole. Extant buildings in 2014 included: Caretaker's house, storage buildings, boiler house, warehouse, offices and ammunition bunkers. Further recording took place by NAA in 2016.