New Birmingham Airport Viewing Facility

[Ray Finkle]

Good to see Elmdon80slad back, just wondering if there is any news on this?

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Good to see Elmdon80slad back, just wondering if there is any news on this?

Hi Ray,

Thanks for enquiring, I'm affarid I've been abit destracted of late, and have not done anything, I left It at a few quiries I put In to the airport and other Influencial people, I will still pursue my venture but due to the Airport work going on, It has stalled their Interest In my Viewing Park.....

 

[Ray Finkle]

I don't know if Elmdon80slad is still about or if he is still in communication with the airport/potential investors but I thought I'd run this idea past him. One of the best locations to spot at BHX is the corner of the long stay car park. It's got a good view of landing/take off, a decent view of most of the taxiways to/from the runway, a good view across to the Elmdon apron and a good percentage of the terminal stands are in view.

Looking at the drawing below the area where there is a bend in the new perimiter fence alongside the extended taxiway could made a cracking viewing area. All the advantages of the above with the only downside being the fuel farm could potentially obscure views across to the terminal, but the runway views from there are great. All it would take is a couple of mounds of earth (of which I imagine there will be plenty) and some benches, if there was to be a cafe facility then utilities are already in the area. Access would either have to be a new road off the island or possible another dedicated entry/exit alongside the current long stay barriers. The job could also tie in with the current ongoing works. The big sticking point I imagine could be persueding BHX to give up some very lucrative potential car parking land.

One to possibly ponder.

 

[Aviador]

I thought i'd check this thread to see if i'd mist any update but it seems things are still quiet on the matter. I love the above suggestion of a viewing area above where the new taxiway would go. It's a cracking location! According to the map above the land will be flat enough to provide good views across the airfield and of the main touchdown zone. The contours don't seem to start until nearer the end of the runway so it should work as a viewing area if it was considered.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I'm not sure if Elmdon80'slad is still in touch with anybody now, he seemed to give the impression all that BHX concentrating on at the moment is getting the runway finished. Hopefully he'll pop back soon and will be able to suggest the above site which would be able to be done alongside the runway works.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Hopefully the new year will see Elmdon80'slad return with some good news as it seems BHX spotting/photography could possibly be getting alot harder. Word is a new noise bund will be built alongside the new Monarch hanger, if correct this will totally block the view from the golf course. Also (although no confirmed yet) the multi-storey on the Elmdon site (my personnel favourite) is in line to be demolished :s_sad

 

[Aviador]

I hope that information's wrong Ray. You seem to have a varied number of spots to take photos at the moment but like most airports these seem to be ever decreasing year by year. It will be a real shame if that happens and it becomes almost impossible to get aircraft photos.

 

[Seasider]

If you go to Germany (and many other European airports) they have dedicated places on the top of the terminal and at the end of runways where our airports seem to be going the other way.

 

[CL44]

Also (although no confirmed yet) the multi-storey on the Elmdon site (my personnel favourite) is in line to be demolished :s_sad

Well I hope the multi-storey is not coming down, that would make it very difficult for everyone in this office to park their cars!

We have not received any indication that the car park is going. There is a rumour that Mobile Freight (who occupy the old Skyways garage on the ground floor) are moving to an actual yard, but this is unconfirmed. Bear in mind the multi-storey is not just open to workers on the Elmdon site but has also in the past been used as an overspill for both Corporate parking (hire cars etc) and passenger parking.

We have Season tickets for parking which are due to expire in March. It will be interesting to see the renewal notices when they come out to see what is being offered for 2013-4 parking.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I hope it's staying too, it's such a great spot for pictures. The rumour I heard was hangars one and two are now so old they are unfit for purpose and are soon to be demolished and a new facility built. The car park is to be demolished as part of this and the new car park about to be built by the Travelodge and new ATC tower will take up the slack. If true I'm not sure where that would leave the Alpha unit? Like I said it is just rumour and most probably totally untrue, but if you hear anything keep us posted.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Hello All,

I most sincerly and honestly appologize for not keeping intouch, this was/is due to a move from the midlands down south, I tried as many avenues as I could over my venture, by contacting as many people as I could, from Virgin, Ryannair, Monarch, to local business people, lord Digby Jones, Lions Den panel, even past local Brummies with abit of cash like Duran Duran, Bev Bevan, UB40 and even Gary Newman, but no one considered It a good Idea (very dissapointing), I even tried the various new business venture groups and BHam council, even going as far as the current owner of Cov airport to see If a joint venture combined with the museum at cov, but nothing not a trace of Interest.

Cant say I didd'nt try just very dissapointing.

Sorry all :whiteflag:

 

[Aviador]

Have you (or anybody else for that matter) contacted the airport company to see if they would consider building a viewing area with a view to using it as a revenue generator?

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Have you (or anybody else for that matter) contacted the airport company to see if they would consider building a viewing area with a view to using it as a revenue generator?

Warm regards,

Yep I tried that approach, I was liasing with a women who was from thier PR dep, and she just kept saying that the local spotters where cattered for by the small (possibly 6ft sq) grass area In the long stay carpark-now being built over aka runway ext, or at the other end 15 end the little park area under the approach lights, I asked her about the areas I mentioned on here, but she told me - the land adjecent the runway ext that used to be a sports ground but local clubs left due to the taking of grounds by the airport, same was with the area near to the terminal, an old NEC overflow carpark, the airport are planning to use this for parking.

 

[Hassaan]

Try not to give up

 

[Ray Finkle]

Good to see you are still around Elmdon80slad

It would have been nice if something could have been done in line with the runway works but sounds like the airport really aren't interested. Thanks anyway for all your efforts :good:

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Decided to contact Monarch at BHX Inlight of my venture, to see If they may be Interested In funding and supporting my visitor attraction, and with thier expansion and maintenance facility construction, I think If they agreed they would be an excellent supporter of such an attraction.
Im still pondering over where It will be possible to construct my venture, as the airport seem to have sewn up alot of land, for future development Including the area between the old euro hub and the International Rail Station, and ground south of the A45 where cricket/rugby teams used to train/play, this leaves either the golf course area(cant get a reply from them regarding using part of thier land) or the land at the end of runway 15 that Is park land at the moment, this area may be possible but would just restrict views down the runway(If platforms are high enough) and landing/takeoff on 15 and takeoff from 33 but not so good views of the terminal area, kind of like being pushed In a corner.

What do people think?

 

[Ray Finkle]

The area of land between the airport and international station is earmarked for a multi storey at such a time that the terminal will be extended into the current long stay. I imagine it will be many years before that happens.

The golf course would be a great location I can see two issues though. Parking is limited, the small golf course car park is full most weekends. Maybe the unused office car park could be used short term but when they get tenants that won't be an option. Also it's quite a distance from the car park to the 'mound' which would require construction of a level footpath for disabled visitors then there's the issue of connecting utilities.

I'm not familiar with the park at the end of 15, is it the land accessed from Catherin-de-Barnes lane?

I posted this area as a potential viewing spot a couple of months back, not sure if you've seen it. See what you think.

I don't know if Elmdon80slad is still about or if he is still in communication with the airport/potential investors but I thought I'd run this idea past him. One of the best locations to spot at BHX is the corner of the long stay car park. It's got a good view of landing/take off, a decent view of most of the taxiways to/from the runway, a good view across to the Elmdon apron and a good percentage of the terminal stands are in view.

Looking at the drawing below the area where there is a bend in the new perimeter fence alongside the extended taxiway could made a cracking viewing area. All the advantages of the above with the only downside being the fuel farm could potentially obscure views across to the terminal, but the runway views from there are great. All it would take is a couple of mounds of earth (of which I imagine there will be plenty) and some benches, if there was to be a cafe facility then utilities are already in the area. Access would either have to be a new road off the island or possible another dedicated entry/exit alongside the current long stay barriers. The job could also tie in with the current ongoing works. The big sticking point I imagine could be persuading BHX to give up some very lucrative potential car parking land.

One to possibly ponder.

Monarch would be a great sponsor, I seriously hope you hear something positive. Thanks again for all your efforts.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Thanks Ray,

With the golf course I was thinking along the lines of having the dirt path that leeds from the A45 past the offices at the side of the parimeter fence upto the mound, turned Into a small link road/lane leeding upto the visitor centre where on site parkng would be available, this lane would also have a path for those on foot,

The area at the end of runway 15 Is either approached from following the perimeter fence past the golf course, or by the small housing estate and Industrial estate near marston green station, this Is under the approach lights for r,way 15 and Is part of hatchford brook park so allready public right of way etc, just not good for terminal views..

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Hi all, Just playing around with a few Ideas, I was wondering how this potential location for my venture would suite? I pinched the pic off Ray on here, hope you dont mind Ray, the area Is marked with a red X, I know It Is at the end of the runway but atleast It Is park area so should have less restrictions and should'nt get In the way of anyone, and close to roads and public transport.

What do people think anyone taken pics from here? but bare In mind, there would be hight advantages with the build ups as I would like In the park/centre, so It should more than get above the airport fence and look un-Interfered down the runway, and approach both ends.....

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Just thought I would poat this hope you dont mind Ray Ive pinched one of your pics to show an Idea, It shows the possible layout of the centre and the two portacabin/viewing platforms. shown not to scale, but It gives a rough Idea.....