The former shell store, Building 157, at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell erected in 1915-1916, with additions and changes of the mid C20. It has significant local and national interest for its role in both world wars and for an explosion in 1918 which destroyed much of the factory site and caused considerable and tragic loss of life. With its predominately female workforce, National Filling Factory No 6 played a significant role in the changing status of female workers in England and contributed to women winning the right to vote. However, the historic interest as embodied in the physical fabric of the shell store is significantly compromised by the loss of so many contemporary associated factory buildings, through the explosion and subsequently (the site of a good number of which has since been over built with housing), and by structural changes and additions. The loss is such that the process of producing explosive, and filling shells at Chilwell (as set out in Cocroft W, Dangerous Energy, (2000) pp176-7) can no longer be read in the site. While the Second World War phase of the building’s history is of some interest, the predominant architectural interest lies in the design of the building in 1915-1916 as a shell store. In terms of its building technology it is standard and not innovative in its steel structure and brick skin form. Its size and volume is impressive and interesting elements survive, but the interest has been undermined by post First World War changes, as well as additions to the building, alterations to openings and creation of internal divisions. Internal equipment, perhaps most notably the overhead cranes, which once travelled along each bay, have all been removed save one. The original wooden block floor has been changed, and although the original floor comprised much concrete (as shown in film footage from the time of the Great War) it is likely that much has been lost save for a few discrete panels of blocks. Tram and railway tracks for transporting shells and materials to, and around the inside of, the shell store have largely been removed or covered over. For a building of this date these changes are of note. The shell store stands close to a memorial to workers of National Filling Factory No 6, Chilwell, listed at Grade ll (List entry 1263868). (1- Historic England Notification Report- Not designated).

<1> 2016, Historic England Designations Notification Report. (Document). SNT4552.