New Birmingham Airport Viewing Facility

[58terminus]

Nice to see others trying to bring a bit of reality to this thread.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Well I think I will bow out of this Idea folks as some have said it was a crazy ridiculus idea that is just not popular or achievable without a lot of work and money, and as most seem more than happy with what they have then good luck folks and enjoy what Birmingham gives you with spotting vantage areas.
Just a couple of thoughts though - what if the multi storey car park becomes out of bounds, and the airport decide to take away that little smoking shelter in the long stay, so everybody then (Families, mothers pushing prams, wheel chair users, those on crutches, the elderly) are these folk going to be willing or pleased or even able to treck down that muddy overgrown path to get to the country park, even more so when its mot in the middle of summer.
My idea was to create something for everyone not just hard shelled aviation spotters who do dont mind standing out in any weather just to catch or photograph that special aircraft visitor.
Elmdon/Birmingham had half hearted facilities in the past and understood anr respected how important PR was to the airport, if it doesn't now - its a crying shame a shame on the airport for just putting money and investment as there only priorities.
Unfortuntaly manchester will always be laughing at Birmingham as it cares more for everyone (even if there visitor center is independent - its still encouraged by the airport) then you have the multi storey car park ontop of the terminal at man, no problems spotting there either (I should know I spent enough time there a few years back - even the security there are friendly and welcoming of spotters).

So thanks to those who showed an interest and showed an open mind.

Good luck to Brum spotters I'm sure you love routhing it


E.

 

[CL44]

Please accept my apologies if my tone sounded harsh. As an idea if money was no object then the plan would be sound. Obviously there could be rent etc from any retail outlets who open up at such a venue, but (and this is the big but), they will not open unless they are going to make money. BHX does not have the variety of visitors which means footfall would not be massive. Unless each visitor spent big money then the venture would lose money hand over fist. I see from my office how many people go to the top floor of the car park when something unusual is coming in and only rarely does that number exceed 10 people. I would love to see a dedicated viewing area purpose built with facilities attached, however I do not see anything happening in this manner in the foreseeable future.

 

[Hassaan]

Please accept my apologies if my tone sounded harsh. As an idea if money was no object then the plan would be sound. Obviously there could be rent etc from any retail outlets who open up at such a venue, but (and this is the big but), they will not open unless they are going to make money. BHX does not have the variety of visitors which means footfall would not be massive. Unless each visitor spent big money then the venture would lose money hand over fist. I see from my office how many people go to the top floor of the car park when something unusual is coming in and only rarely does that number exceed 10 people. I would love to see a dedicated viewing area purpose built with facilities attached, however I do not see anything happening in this manner in the foreseeable future.

There was nothing wrong with what you said, I understand where you and others are coming from. As a result, I think I'll also back away from this project for the foreseeable future.

 

[Seasider]

I think the difference with Manchester is that the airport was /is behind the Viewing Park.

 

[Ray Finkle]

The MAN AVP came about as back in the day there was literally nowhere to spot. Over the years it has grown organically into what is there now. I wonder, in today's climate, would the airport stump up the cash to build a similar facility from scratch? I have my doubts.

The thing is this thread is full of ideas about the layout and comments about how the local spotters deserve something but I am yet to see any sort of plan as to how this would be delivered (construction costs for starters) and how it would then become economically viable given the extensive ongoing maintenance and running costs? Does anyone have a realistic idea of predicted visitor numbers annually and what entrance fee would then need to be charged to give anyone with potential interest a return on their investment?

It's not meant to be harsh or trying to belittle the idea, it's just reality.

Anybody with the slightest bit of interest in this will want to know 1) when/how will I get my investment back and 2) how much profit will I make and will it be worth the considerable effort.

Mr Kehoe has already said that as far as he is concerned it is not economically viable but if someone had a business plan he would gladly look over it. Does anybody have one to send him?

As I said, it's not meant to be harsh and I do admire the enthusiasm. I'd love to see a dedicated viewing area but like everything, it comes down to pounds, shillings and pence and for it to work someone needs to make the figures add up

 

[58terminus]

Please remember that Sheldon Country Park on a nice day with aircraft using 15 is one of the best
viewing areas you will find at any airport. OK the terminal is hidden but with aircraft landing and departing as close as you would get anywhere. 95% of people would rather spend an hour or two there with their families a picnic and a football than sitting in a viewing gallery.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

The replies deserve a reply from me despite deciding to bow out - I fully understand and agree about the cost and what it would probably take to get an idea like this off the ground, but folks the idea was to look at this with a bigger picture, it wasn't just going to be aimed at the locals as a bit of luxury from what is already there, it was supposed to be an attraction for all that would bring folk from fairly distant locations looking for a day out or possibly more even a weekend.
The vision had to start somewhere and in tiny baby steps, getting a pre business plan person/company involved before any figurework was looked at(I wouldn't have the first idea about figures profit/loss expenditure - who would on here)? I assume interest in aviation has not decreased over the years infact I bet it has increased, but most generic folk will not visit a place esp after a long journey unless there are good facilities available for them.
I remember back to my Heathrow Queens building days over 40 visits I gave it over many years, It was a day out a whole package not just logging a few registrations with a few pics, if the Queens had not been there and it was how it is today for spotting - I would never have gone, I dont think satnding up against a fence in the cold or hot is a day out, I bet there are many many thousands of others who feel the same and who have become armchair aviation enthusiasts.

Yes like I siad - I agree with all the replies "Cant be done - Too expensive - No one would pay - The Country park is enough"

But good things do not come easy and have to start from somewhere.

Thank You for all the Interest folks and taking the time over the years to view my Idea.

E.

 

[justplanecrazy]

Also i don't know if anyone has already thought about this but IF there is another runway and terminal built over the other side of the M42 for long haul then depending on how they decide to use the runways won't most of the action be over that side? If so then then the viewing area will be even further away.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Please remember that Sheldon Country Park on a nice day with aircraft using 15 is one of the best
viewing areas you will find at any airport. OK the terminal is hidden but with aircraft landing and departing as close as you would get anywhere. 95% of people would rather spend an hour or two there with their families a picnic and a football than sitting in a viewing gallery.

Also i don't know if anyone has already thought about this but IF there is another runway and terminal built over the other side of the M42 for long haul then depending on how they decide to use the runways won't most of the action be over that side? If so then then the viewing area will be even further away.

Very good point.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Whilst I'm saddened to see Mr Kehoe leaving his position of CEO at BHX (and he has as done a wonderful job of steering the good ship 'BHX' in his years of management), I wonder if whoever is his successor may be a little more open to a proper all weather dedicated BHX viewing facility?

Kevin

 

[58terminus]

A nice thought but i cannot see where it could be.Certainly not in the terminal and anything else would take up
car park spaces.Personally i would like to purchase a few of those spaces to keep as car parking to fund my retirement.

 

[Hassaan]

I emailed Matt Ingram (head of property) about the Elmdon Building and repurposing it in early 2023.

This was his reply in December 2023:

Hello Hassaan

Whilst we do not have any definite proposals for the building, we are at present in discussions with a couple of external parties who have expressed interest in developing the Elmdon Building. This is likely to be a long process and I cannot divulge the nature of either of the interests at this time, but if you would like to periodically enquire, I will tell you what I can when time permits.

Regards

Matt

And when I emailed him again a few weeks back, he said:

Morning Hassaan

Whilst there have been several parties express interest in taking on the Elmdon Building, there is no progress at the present time.

Thanks for your interest.

Regards

Matt

I think that's going to be the most likely prospect now.

 

[Ianbutty]

I emailed Matt Ingram (head of property) about the Elmdon Building and repurposing it in early 2023.

This was his reply in December 2023:

And when I emailed him again a few weeks back, he said:

I think that's going to be the most likely prospect now.

Thanks for trying Matt. It is such a shame to see that building gradually deteriorate. It would make a great venue for conferences, business centre, training centre with a spotting location to boot....I feel a business plan coming on... The airport needs to innovate.

 

[Nethercote2019]

Let’s hope the new owners will have more ideas & more cash !

 

[Birmingham Aviation]

The only viewing facilities bhx is listed below

R33 (Hs2 site) don’t if still available
R15 Sheldon country park
Car park 5 poor viewing area

We need more investment

 

[Scania1800]

The only viewing facilities bhx is listed below

R33 (Hs2 site) don’t if still available
R15 Sheldon country park
Car park 5 poor viewing area

We need more investment

We need to ban enthusiasts completely actually, it’s causing more and more issues there

 

[Birmingham Aviation]

We need to ban enthusiasts completely actually, it’s causing more and more issues there

What u mean?
Can you elaborate please

 

[andrew.clarkson]

So, who are Birmingham airport new owners.

 

[Birmingham Aviation]

So, who are Birmingham airport new owners.

Nick Barton is the owner and route analyst for bhx is Tom screen(Legend)