Birmingham: Airport Infrastructure, Construction & Developments

[Ray Finkle]

I've not been through DXB for quite a few years but the last time that I did it was like a cattle pen even back then, it's grown considerably since then.

There was a story in the Mail last week about an Air Transat flight that arrived into Birmingham with only 80 of the 300 or so passengers bags. There was apparently major problems at Pearson meaning numerous flights left without luggage.

It's definitely not exclusive to BHX, these things can and do happen anywhere.

 

[JENNYJET]

I do not wish to detain you with my witterings so I shall relate a company directive from my days as a document courier. The order was to carry only items necessity for one change of clothing and those additional comfort materials and carry on board as hand baggage avoiding delay at destination. Additional items were to be purchased and charged to the company or if relevant to customer. My flights were painless as there were no need for baggage waiting and I could do my job.

 

[58terminus]

There was a story in the Mail last week about an Air Transat flight that arrived into Birmingham with only 80 of the 300 or so passengers bags

Surprised they didn't blame Swissport

 

[Ray Finkle]

😆

Funnily enough they did, in a roundabout sort of way and without actually mentioning any names.

There was an angry quote about 'only three members of staff available at BHX to handle complaints', I think there was also a photograph of a lengthy queue in front of the handling agents desk in arrivals.

 

[IanFarquharson]

Mr Essex is rubbing his hands !

 

[Ray Finkle]

I bet he is 🙂

 

[BHXsupporter]

New junction to M42 preferred option announced:

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/ne...vealed_for_M42_junction_improvements/?ref=rss

Please, please, let the new link road in red be a dual carriageway!

 

[Coathanger16]

Please, please, let the new link road in red be a dual carriageway!

From the image in the article, it certainly looks like it will be more than just a single carriageway. It looks like some of the roundabouts have slip roads onto the link road.

EDIT: Actually just read the article and it says it will be:

"The route will see a new 2.4km dual carriageway link road, west of Bickenhill, between the A45 Clock Interchange and a new junction on the M42."

 

[BHXsupporter]

Apologies Coathanger 16, but thanks, I missed this! Might be jet-lag but more on that anon.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Someone on SSC says steelwork for the Hilton hotel is going up. No pictures unfortunately.

Just back from an airport drop off and the steel work is getting pretty high now. I think we may well see some quick progress on this one 🙂

 

[jfy1999]

This was taken today by PerpetualBrum from SkyscraperCity

 

[Brum X]

Sure is flying up, maybe open for next summer 2018 ??

 

[Ianbutty]

Is that Paul Giamatti bottom right hand corner? 😉

 

[BHXsupporter]

Wow, you should be a pilot with that vision!

 

[jfy1999]

There are some world-class architectural firms in the running to design the HS2 stations at BHX and Curzon Street - Foster & Partners, Grimshaw, Richard Rogers. Glenn Howells (Birmingham-based architects behind 2 Chamberlain Square and the MODA tower) could also be involved in a supporting role. Hopefully we will start seeing the various proposals soon 🙂

 

[Brum X]

There are some world-class architectural firms in the running to design the HS2 stations at BHX and Curzon Street - Foster & Partners, Grimshaw, Richard Rogers. Glenn Howells (Birmingham-based architects behind 2 Chamberlain Square and the MODA tower) could also be involved in a supporting role. Hopefully we will start seeing the various proposals soon 🙂

Cant wait to see these proposals Jfy

 

[Ray Finkle]

I noticed lots more hotel steel work had gone up when I walked past this afternoon.

Sure is flying up, maybe open for next summer 2018 ??

The Consultative Committee meeting minutes suggested a June/July opening.

Those front bedrooms will have a decent view 🙂

 

[megaark-1]

Hi, I've followed this site for years but never posted. A trip up to BHX last Sunday however, to drop off a relative, prompted me to join and make this post. Or rather vent my frustration. Birmingham has made great strides in
recent times, with an impressive array of airlines, routes and ever growing pax numbers. However, the state
of the terminals for the UK's second city (for any city), and one that seeks global status, is frankly appalling.

As we walked outside from the Eurohub down to Door B, to check in with Brussels Airlines, we couldn't help but
notice the unacceptable amount of litter blowing around. When we arrived at Door B we were greated by
several smokers blowing their smoke across the footpath, and the floor was covered in literally 100's of
cigarette butts. It was disgusting. A disgrace for a major 'global' city.

Inside the teminal was aboslutely jam packed. It's small, pokey and unpleasent. Once we had said our
goodbyes to my sister-in-law we skipped the plan to stay for a coffee and headed to Mere Green and
somewhere nicer. A shame, because I have always loved the atmosphere of a busy airport.

The condition and appearence of the terminals leaves alot to be desired. Especially if you compare the
check-in areas to the wonderful new aitrium at Birmingham New Street. The street scape is really
unwelcoming: you can't see inside most of the front, there are a few relatively small doors, and it looks
like exactly what it is: an amaglamation of smaller developments that have no cohesive, central
design plan. It's a mess.

What troubles me is the apparent lack of urgency to do anything about this. Manchester stole a march on
BHX back in the 70's and 80's, and now it's doing it again. Whilst they are not only dreaming about but
implementing a fabulous £1 billion infrastructure overhaul, Birmingham is once again half asleep. Day
dreaming about a great future but not doing very much about it. Manchester already has an unasailable
lead but BHX will loose an even greater share of the pie if it doesn't move decisively, with vision and
ambition and soon!

 

[BHXsupporter]

Welcome megaark-1. As ever, I hope that someone employed in BHX management scans these pages. Your points are well made and taken. It's all building up to the grand, delayed, plan now but I have a sneaking suspicion that it might not please all contributors here. Still, we live in hope. I drove past the airport about an hour ago and was pleased to see traffic moving easily; however the planned extension roads are needed. Like you I feel that this is another crunch time for BHX and there is a need to invest ++ in its terminals (and satellite(s)!).

 

[megaark-1]

I did tweet @BHX_official to express my disgust at the litter/cigarrette buts - they didn't reply. And yes, we live in hope...