In October 2024, Derbyshire resident Dave Billings finished a 35‑foot tunnel linking two WWII‑style bunkers beneath his garden, a project that began in 2013 with a single 13‑square‑metre shelter. The new passage, lined with timber to replicate the Great Escape tunnels, now connects the original bunker to a second, 25‑square‑metre compartment built in 2023.
Billings, a self‑taught fabricator, kept costs in check by handling most of the work himself. He spent about £4,000 on bricks and the remainder on concrete, waterproofing and insulation, bringing total expenses to roughly £30,000 by October, with a final tally expected at £35,000 when the larger bunker is finished. The project also features a disguised beer‑keg lift that lowers drinks into the lower level, a quirky convenience born of his practical mindset.
Looking ahead, Billings intends to extend his bungalow closer to the bunker and install a concealed door that will allow entry from inside the house, enabling a discreet journey through the tunnel and back to the surface via the old well. He told DerbyWorld that the plan is to complete the larger bunker by Christmas 2024, but he added that the project will never be finished, hinting at potential future tunnels and upgrades.
The underground complex sits on land that once formed part of a World War II army base, a history that sparked Billings' childhood fascination and ultimately led him to create a living homage to that era. While the project has drawn attention online, locals view it as a harmless eccentricity, with neighbors noting the novelty of a beer‑lift and the quiet hum of construction in the early mornings.
As Billings prepares to link the bunker to his home, the next milestone will be the installation of a secret door and the final touches that will transform the garden into a hidden sanctuary. The completion of these steps is expected in late 2024, marking the culmination of an 11‑year obsession that blends history, engineering, and a dash of whimsy.