Bricks used in the construction of the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum have caused controversy among campaigners and residents.
Over 22,000 have signed a petition against the design of the museum – and campaigners are now angry about the bricks being used to build it.
The Wienerberger Company, which was founded in Austria and also operates in Germany, supplied the bricks.
A statement from campaigner Rita Radford read: “This thoughtless choice of bricks is seen particularly by the generation who experienced the war as disrespectful.
“Do we not have UK manufacturers who should be supported and supplying the bricks at this most sensitive of sites?”
She added that the brick choice highlighted a “total lack of empathy” for the historic site – also home to St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance.
The site in Biggin Hill played an integral role in the Battle of Britain.
Ms Radford told News Shopper this week: “Someone said to us the chapel now looks like a Nazi building rather than an iconic chapel.”
Jemma Johnson-Davey, director of the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, confirmed to News Shopper the bricks were made by Wienerberger.
She explained the reasons why the museum chose Wienerberger to import the bricks.
“The brick was selected following wide public consultation and guidance from Historic England to ensure that the colour, tone and finish complement St George's Chapel of Remembrance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the brick has been manufactured in the Netherlands by Wienerberger, an international brick supplier who are known for the manufacture of specialist bricks.
“Building work has been underway for some months now, with the bricks being used as part of the construction process.
She added: “The Trust are now looking to develop phase two of the project including the construction of a memorial wall and education centre. Offers for 'in kind' donations of bricks and other building material would be warmly welcomed.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel