where we've been

The Generator: A Century of Creative Repurposing Since 1921

The Generator's remarkable story begins in 1921 when visionary J.F. Driver salvaged electrical equipment from decommissioned WWI U-boats to create Britain's first educational power station on Packe Street, serving as both a working facility and hands-on training ground for Loughborough College students. For nearly four decades, students gained practical experience in electrical generation and distribution through real-time data collection and troubleshooting, until power generation ceased in 1960 when the building connected to the national grid. The building then found new life as an art school until 2011, followed by a period as university storage before being reimagined once again into an Arts and Cultural centre. From wartime salvage to educational powerhouse to artistic venue, The Generator embodies over a century of creative repurposing and community service—a testament to the enduring value of visionary thinking and adaptive reuse.

The Origin Story (1921)

The first world war

During the First World War, the German Navy employed submarines (U-boats) with devastating success, sinking 5,798 British, Allied and neutral ships. The U-boats posed a significant threat to global maritime activity, disrupting supply lines and contributing to widespread losses at sea.

As a result, while the surface vessels of the German fleet were interned and monitored by the Allies after the war, the U-boats were deemed too dangerous to be left intact. The immediate surrender of the submarines was demanded due to the global concern over their effectiveness as a deadly war machine.

The U-boats were set to be sold for scrap, allowing for the removal and reuse of engines, motors, and other equipment. However, under the terms of the armistice, none of this salvaged equipment could be repurposed for military use.

At the time, the UK was facing a shortage of electrical generation equipment; a situation worsened by ongoing coal shortages. A few electricity undertakings saw an opportunity and decided to repurpose the diesel engines and generators from the U-boats.

These components could be sourced and commissioned much more quickly than new equipment, providing a faster solution to the pressing demand for power generation.

1921 - The Vision

In 1921, during a visit by Loughborough College students to the Naval dockyard to remove dynamos, motors, compressors, fans, switchgear, and batteries from decommissioned U-boats for use in the College’s electrical training, Mr. J.F. Driver stood on the deck of U-boat U126 and envisioned something remarkable: a dedicated power station for Loughborough College.

In a letter to Herbert Schofield, Driver recalled, “I remember coming back and telling you of my dream. I must thank you for your help and encouragement when everybody else thought it would be a failure.”

His vision was bold: “A real generating station where half-hourly logs, continuous wattmeter, and voltage records were kept.”

With Schofield’s support, Driver’s dream took shape. On a site in Packe Street, a building for a generating station was constructed—designed not only to provide practical experience for students but also to serve as an operational power station. This facility would allow students to engage in real-time data collection, troubleshooting, and hands-on training in electrical generation and distribution.

Historical black and white photograph of the submarine U.135 in the water, with some people on its deck.

The Generator House

The Generator House - “Wooden Shed” 1925

Man 1850 BHP

Engine from U-boat 

U135

Vulcan 550 BHP

Engine from U-boat 

U145

The College Generating Station 1925

  • Blueprint drawing of a building labeled Loughborough College Engineering Departments with front and side elevations.
  • Blueprint drawing of a building's cross section showing the roof, walls, and foundation. Labels indicate a boarded and felted roof, weatherboarding, concrete floor, brick chimney, and footing details.
  • Blueprint of a building's longitudinal section showing multiple windows, an area labeled Diesel Oil Engine, and some structural elements.

The 1930s Transformation

Following the success of the original generating station, plans were drawn up in the 1930s for its upgrade.

This expansion aimed to modernise the facility, increasing its capacity and efficiency to meet the growing demand for electrical power in the college and to accommodate advancements in electrical engineering education.

The upgraded station would continue to serve as a crucial training ground for students, reinforcing Loughborough College's reputation as a leader in hands-on technical education during a time of rapid industrial and technological progress.

Designed by Mr. E.G. Fowler, the County Architect, the plans in the 1930s proposed the construction of a new generating station around the existing wooden structure.

Remarkably, the wooden building was dismantled from the inside after the new station was completed, ensuring there was no interruption to the electrical output during the transition.

This innovative approach allowed the college to maintain its operations without downtime. Additionally, a single-story garage block, intended for motor mechanic training, was designed to face onto Fredrick Street, further expanding the College's practical training facilities.

Architectural plans and elevations

  • Architectural blueprint of a building, with front elevation, cross-section, garage layout, and detailed internal plans, including rooms labeled as battery room, washing space, store, and mechanical areas.
  • Architectural blueprint of a building with details of a staircase, storage rooms, and structural measurements.
  • Architectural blueprint of a building, showing multiple elevations, sections, and floor plans, including side and rear views, basement plan, and a first-floor plan.
  • Architectural blueprint of a building exterior and interior section, including windows, doors, staircase, and structural details with measurements.
  • Technical floor plan of a building, showing labeled rooms such as laundry, store, washing space, battery room, engine, and stairs, with detailed measurements and section views.

Expanding the vision (1930s)

During the planning process, it was decided to upgrade the originally proposed single-story garage block to a four-story building. 

This expanded structure would not only house the motor mechanic training facilities but also accommodate the growing needs of other departments, this decision reflected the college’s broader vision to offer comprehensive, hands-on training in a variety of technical fields,

Black and white photo of a multi-story brick building with large industrial-style windows, some open, and trees in front.

Opening day (1937)

During the planning process, it was decided to upgrade the originally proposed single-story garage block to a four-story building. 

This expanded structure would not only house the motor mechanic training facilities but also accommodate the growing needs of other departments, this decision reflected the college’s broader vision to offer comprehensive, hands-on training in a variety of technical fields,

Black and white photo of vintage ship engines with annotations. The image shows several large engines labeled as Vulcan 550 BHP engine from U-boat U145, Vickers Petter engine with 170 BHP, Man 1850 BHP engine from U-boat U135, and a twin-cylinder diesel engine named Mirrorless 6. The engines are surrounded by walkways and railings.
Black and white photograph of vintage ship engines with labels indicating their types and origins. The engines include a Vickers Petter Diesel Engine, a Man 1850 BHP engine from U-Boat U135, a Vulcan 550 BHP engine from U-boat U145, and a Mirrless 6-cylinder diesel engine. The scene is set indoors, with large windows in the background and checkered flooring.

Electrical Infrastructure

  • Technical schematic drawing of an electronic control panel with labeled components, switches, meters, and detailed measurements.
  • A vintage electronic schematic diagram showing various circuits and components labeled with names such as 'Vulcan,' 'M.A.N.,' and 'Booster,' including symbols for fuses, breakers, switches, and a motor with a field pot and starter.
  • Black and white photo of an early aviation control panel with numerous dials, switches, and gauges, mounted behind a safety railing, with an arched window and ceiling structure in the background.
  • Black and white photo of a man in vintage attire writing on a clipboard while observing large mechanical and electrical equipment with gauges and dials.
  • Vintage control panel with gauges, dials, and mechanical parts in black and white.

where we've been

Construction workers in orange safety vests and helmets standing on a grated metal floor inside a building under renovation, with scaffolding and exposed brick walls.
A CRT television screen shows two women talking in front of a chalkboard with the words 'Generator' and 'Stories' written on it. One woman has gray hair and is wearing a red coat; the other woman has dark hair, glasses, and is wearing a patterned blouse.