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A MAN who builds nuclear bunkers for the rich and famous has revealed how prices have skyrocketed over the past two weeks.
Underground bunker manufacturer Charles Hardman, 68, said how his company, Subterranean Spaces, has had a “huge uplift” over the past fortnight in construction requests.
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He added that requests had risen by around 30% in just the past four months alone.
Charles, who owns the specialist basement construction company, said “Putin’s aggression” in recent weeks is responsible for the massive uptick.
“Fears” of a total wipe-out of life and WW3 have terrified Brits into requesting nuclear bunkers, he said.
He added: “Of course people are worried.
“Every time you get a little whisper of something happening in Russia, our phone starts ringing.
“It’s going to worry people and worry their families.”
Charles described how his sales had been “steady” before the Russian President’s actions in recent weeks, which have included threats of a nuclear strike across Europe, including Britain.
This follows the use of US Atacms by Ukraine in the conflict, as well as the firing of UK Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory.
Charles feels Putin’s increased aggression, following more involvement from the UK and US, could be stoking these fears of all-out nuclear war.
Just recently, a nuclear bunker in Cumbria was bought for an eye-watering £48,000, more than three times its asking price of just £15,000.
Another in West Yorkshire sold for £29,000, despite also being listed for just £15,000.
Jon Graves, 37, had bought the bunker, which was in use from 1964 to 1991, three years ago to restore it.
After giving it its new lease of life, it was snapped up for nearly twice its guide price.
Others are expected to hit the market soon as tensions continue to increase and the threat of World War 3 feels all-too real.
The 68-year-old added that there had also been an initial rise in requests back in 2022, following Putin’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.
He believes the UK needs to do more to help construct community bunkers to help protect masses in the event of a nuclear strike.
The expert said: “These things [bunkers] are going to save their lives.
“They’re also going to save their children’s lives, their family’s lives.
“It’s a life or death situation.”
He added how he’d been receiving calls from people in “desperation”, hoping to be able to build a bunker at a low cost.
But, given the complexities and logistics required for each project, many do not have sufficient funds for private protection.
He estimates that for an average 100 square metre bunker, the cost of construction is around £1.5 million.
His largest project for a UK bunker came in at a whopping £3.7 million for a customer in East Sussex.
Charles also spoke of how he’d had big name clients requesting bunkers.
These have included the director of one of the largest UK energy companies, as well as senior people within a large UK-based Swiss chocolate manufacturer.
He described how across Europe and the Middle East, where the situation is “more concerning”, the company has had even more enquiries.
Charles had started the company in 2016 after Russian fighter jets were spotted approaching UK airspace.
His website mentions how the threats from terrorism, and biological, chemical and cyber attacks have raised the desire to keep families safe.
This, combined with the ever growing threat of Russia in Europe, led him to build the bunkers to help “keep you and your family secure”.
Europe is preparing for the worst
While Charles was frustrated by the lack of public bunkers in the UK, Russia has begun mass production of mobile versions of the facilities.
The All-Russian Research Institute for Civil Defence and Emergencies says these shelters are capable of protecting people from the light radiation of a nuclear explosion and radioactive contamination of the surrounding environment.
Unlike traditional, stationary bunkers, mobile bunkers are built to be easily moved from one location to another, often on vehicles or trailers.
They can be equipped with advanced shielding, air filtration systems, and other necessary survival equipment to withstand the harsh conditions of a nuclear event.
These are being built in droves to help protect military personnel, officials, and even civilians if a nuclear strike was to happen.
Germany has also begun making a list of bomb shelters for a new app to protect its citizens.
Residents are being encouraged to convert basements and garages into shelters.
Underground locations such as rail platforms are also being considered as suitable locations.
A special app is being developed to help direct people to their nearest shelter during an emergency, according to the German interior ministry.
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