A campaign has been launched in Mid Wales to transform one of Britain’s top-secret strategic outposts from World War II and the cold war into a museum attraction.

Criggion station near Welshpool in Mid Wales has been shrouded in mystery for much of its existence, but the remote naval communications hub is said to have sent the order for the sinking of Germany’s prized naval vessel The Bismark.

In its heyday, the station comprised 160 staff members, plus three 700ft-high radio masts and three 600 ft-high towers. It was heavily-guarded with security and surveillance, but has fallen into decay since the masts were destroyed in 2003.

But now a campaign led by Powys councillor Graham Brown is bidding to transform the site into a museum of national importance.

“You would not believe what went on in these buildings that were linked up to Hawaii and Colorado in the USA,” he told Wales Online

“We think the project has the potential to bring in tourists and could lead to a major economic regeneration of the area.

“We have interest in purchasing the site from a private investor but we feel that our requests for sale information have been ignored by its current owners, London-based Telereal Trillium.”

Following marketing of the Criggion site, interested parties were asked to submit bids by 11 April.

It’s been reported that more than 10 submissions of interest were received, including one from members of the local community for a museum. Four bidders are believed to have been shortlisted and the sales are expected to be completed by the end of June.