The Nuclear Bunker: How a Cold War Relic Is Transforming

In 1980, the bunker at Mount Eden Park temporarily became a training centre to coordinate actions in the event of serious threats to public safety.

Ten years later, another bunker was opened in Ballymena, designed specifically for nuclear disasters.

The bunker at Mount Eden Park has been collecting dust for decades until now.

This Grade II listed building will be home to a new archives warehouse to house historic environmental data belonging to the Department for Communities (DfC).

Rhonda Robinson, DfC’s chief archaeologist, said the building was “one of a kind”.

“We want to make sure we take care of these archives and find a sustainable solution for rare buildings, so this is a great combination.

“The fact that this building is very cold, has thick walls and no windows makes it ideal for storing archives.”

The Department of Communities said it hopes to start renovation work later this year.