Architectural Importance
To ensure as much natural light as possible the building has one of the first free spanning north facing light roofs in the country. The wide span, without any posts and still retaining the original metal girders was essential for the large cannons.
Not only was it vital for the various war efforts, it has also had its fair share of visiting dignitaries including King George VI and Winston Churchill, who both came to the Gunnery Drillshed to view the artillery training.
However, following the Second World War the Drillshed really had no purpose with cannons no longer used by the army. In 1965 it was transformed into a metal workshop and the original gun bay doors were removed. However, the original wall rings, which the cannons were chained to, still remain. In the 1990s it became a gym, until the garrison was sold for redevelopment.
Even though the Drill Shed was a Grade 2 listed building, between 2000-2010 it became derelict and placed on the listed building at risk register. All the drains were cut, brickwork was crumbling due to water damage and anything which could be removed, including the old cables, had been sold. Without restoration and more importantly a real use, the building would have had to be condemned and lost forever within a few years.
The building had become a white elephant, too important to lose, but too costly to restore. During 2010 the remaining parts of the redevelopment of the Garrison were extensively marketed, however nobody was interested in the Drillshed due to the restoration cost.