New Birmingham Airport Viewing Facility

[Elmdon80slad]

Hi All,

I'm looking for feedback about a new venture Im looking Into for a new aviation viewing facility that would overlook Birmingham Airport with great views and photo opportunities, It would similar to man and ema but without the static aircraft and would have the following -
A carpark on site for 50-80 cars (with views from cars), a deddicated aircraft shop selling books, models, radios etc, a fast food outlet selling food and drinks, picnic facilities tables/chairs etcm childrens play area - swing /slide etc, and not forgetting raised up viewing platforms offering large open views across the airport.
Prices would be very reasonable with entrance possibly £5 for a car and occupants and £1 for foot visitors excl oap's and children, consessions from the shop could also possibly be Included say offering the addmision back after spending £10 or more, and I guess the same great prices would follow with the fast food, with named specials like "The emirates Giant Burger" meal with a drink and crisps, other foods would be available also Incl, - Vegetarian foods and hot and cold drinks.

All comments would be greatly appreciated

 

[Aviador]

You don't have to be a spotter to use such a facility. Many parents like to take their kids for a day out at the airport and these days viewing from inside terminal buildings is becoming more and more restricted so I for one would welcome such venture. It would be well received by spotters, photographers and families alike. As for the price, it seems reasonable considering the cost of airport parking in general but I wouldn't go too far beyond £5 per car because you would start to deter some people who you might class as regulars! The Cafe is a great idea, some kind of link to the arrivals and departure FIDS would be a great addition if achievable?

On a personal note, I live in Leeds and I have taken my family to the viewing facility at Manchester airport. If Birmingham had such a facility I would consider visiting it, even with a two hour drive time.

 

[CL44]

I like the idea of a "Spotting Area" here at BHX. The question would be asto where you would be able to position the area?

We are currently having a number of different building projects going on around the Airport (New Control Tower, Extension to the Runway, diversion of the A45 to allow for the extension etc) so I would be interested to find out where you might be able to place yourself.

You would not be able to go too close to the Control Tower for security purposes. They have finished building the actual structure and have a security fence around the site (I am not sure if this is the final fence or if they will extend the perimeter around the tower once all the building and finishing work has been completed) so that sight is out. You have the "new" travelodge hotel with a gap then to the Tristar Hotel. Quite a lot of the foliage in this gap has been removed but there are still some structures on site (if memory serves me right a couple of beacons). So this site may not be suitable. You are then looking at the area where the extension will be placed (going across the current site of the A45). Until the new perimeter goes up around where the road will be diverted to you would possibly struggle to confirm space suitable for a good viewing spot. On the other side of this you then start encroaching on the fuel farm and long term parking areas.

If you are looking at the Elmdon site, then you could enquire about the old link building (which is currently in the throes of being demolished), which entails the old departures area / office block (which used to be Emery and Immigration). There used to be a cafe in this position (the High Flyer) which closed its doors at Christmas a few years ago. I have not seen any plans as to what is being put into this area, but I think you may struggle to obtain permission for a spotting area due to the proximity to the Apron area for the Cargo operations / GA that we have here. I know that there has been a new security fence erected "inside" the building area to keep the apron sterile, but this is only a chain link fence.

The only other spot that I can think of is the park area at the end of the runway. This is however part of a municipal park owned by Birmingham Council and so there may be issues (both over access and usage) for this area.

In principle I agree that we do need this sort of facility here at BHX but have to ask the question over location.

I hope this is of help to you.

I wish you luck in what you are planning. Please try and keep the forum up-dated as to the plans.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Thank You to all for some excellent comments and feedback, I am at present at the contact stage with all potential parties including some quite interesting people within the aviation world regarding funding and investment/advertising.

The locations I have been considering are - possibly on the golf course area overlooking the old terminal side of the airport, this is a complicated issue as to ownership/leasing/renting etc, this area would require a pathway linking the A45 to the site suitable for light vehicles etc.

The other possible location would be on one of the current empty overflow car parks between Bham Int train station and the long stay car park at the airport, this would provide a facility closer to the apron and the 33 runway, and after checking the expansion plans it appears not to interfere to mutch, and it already has a flat enviroment and an area for car parking with a natural entrance already their, and with the inclusion of a raised viewing area it would offer great views across the airport complex.

I am including some plans first - Elmdon Viewing Park near golf course
second - BHX Viewing Park near to long stay car parks


Kind Regards

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Or the second possible location the only hurdle I can see by checking google maps live is hight that would be needed to view over hedge rows, possibly a special - Higher viewing platform....

First picture shows a possible layout of the park side with the car parking at the top just out of the picture, 2 viewing platforms are shown and originaly I considered that a hight similar to Manchester's about 5-6ft would have been ample, but now I think they would need quite abit more to see over vegetation.

Second picture shows - the area on the right on the right hand side of the B-road out-lined in Black and it shows its close relationship to the airport and if enough hight could be obtained then excellent views of the apron and landing/departing aircraft.


This location despite a possible hight issue would offer the better option as the ground is already mainly ready as in not mutch digging work is needed and no need for fencing and more than enough room for the park - 350 x 300 feet and enough space for over 100 cars.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Perhaps this might over come the Hight problems....

Raised Decking Platforms ontop of Strengthened Portacabins with secure Child Proof barracades ontop, one with tables for eating etc with a lift for wheelchairs, the other un-cluttered, both with a staircase aswel, and in between a see through roofing section for when It rains, toilet facilities could be situated a small walk away to keep away from food etc, and an Arrival/Departure screen could even be fitted for easy viewing......


Hope you enjoy.

 

[Aviador]

Hi Elmdon80slad

As a non local, one further thing I would add is what is the view like from each of the locations you have looked at? Is it going to be near enough to take pictures given a large number of aviation photographers would be interested in using such a facility? I would recommend conducting a test to check the view from each potential viewing area from different heights.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Hi Elmdon80slad

As a non local, one further thing I would add is what is the view like from each of the locations you have looked at? Is it going to be near enough to take pictures given a large number of aviation photographers would be interested in using such a facility? I would recommend conducting a test to check the view from each potential viewing area from different heights.

Hi,

In reference to the views from either location - The first location on the golf course is about a meter below the runway level with just a chain link fence affecting the view, but with platforms say about 5-6ft high then views right across the airfield would be possible.
The other location is closer to the central area with just a road and a the narrow part of the long stay car park to look over, the only obstructions are quite tall conifer hedging about 6-10ft tall, thats why I think built up platforms/decking to a hight of 12-14ft would look over thease obstructions and give great views of the terminal complex and aircraft movements.
Photo's should be easily achievable with anything from a 100/200mm for medium shots and a 300mm + for rotating shots or further cross the field.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Hi Elmdon80slad

As a non local, one further thing I would add is what is the view like from each of the locations you have looked at? Is it going to be near enough to take pictures given a large number of aviation photographers would be interested in using such a facility? I would recommend conducting a test to check the view from each potential viewing area from different heights.

And I understand that new security measures have come into force with the likes of man having its chainlink covered by a rigid construction around the viewing facility, If this would be required at BHX would have to be seen but I believe platforms to look over would still be ok.

 

[Aviador]

Thanks, and I am sure Birmingham airport sustains sufficient traffic to make it work year round without any problem. I wish you good luck with your venture and I hope you can make it come to fruition sometime in the near future. Please keep us up to date with any developments!

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Some pictures showing firstly - the possible location of one of the viewing platforms, showing its possible hight in relation to hedging around said possible park, and second one showing the hedge's surrounding the long stay car park that is situated between the proposed viewing park and the airport.
The third picture shows the closeness of the airport terminal, and the kind of view one could get if high enough, and final picture shows the same kind of view that would be available of the old terminal and runway departures.

Pictures other way round due to posting

 

[Elmdon80slad]

And last one

 

[Elmdon80slad]

All the above pictures where from just above ground level so the view raised up would be considerably better but the distance would remain the same.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Somemore Info about My Idea showing a general map with my propposed location on the right, and another plan from an end where a public foot gate entrance could be and Illustrating the layout......

 

[Aviador]

Where will the aircraft touch down zone be once the runway has been extended as the views from each location will alter significantly? On the last picture you have posted (Google Earth), the viewing park looks too far away from the touchdown zone with the views of aircraft touching down blocked by aircraft parked on the ramp.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Where will the aircraft touch down zone be once the runway has been extended as the views from each location will alter significantly? On the last picture you have posted (Google Earth), the viewing park looks too far away from the touchdown zone with the views of aircraft touching down blocked by aircraft parked on the ramp.

Hi,


The ground at runway threshold (now and with extention) Is lower than area where I am considering viewing park, and the only things within eyesight between - the park and runway threshold and flareout (now and with extention) are cars In the car park, and not foregetting the 12-14 feet hight of the viewing platforms puts you at a guess 15-20 feet above the runway. Also aircraft on approach to the 33 end (nearest) will be visable and photographable for a few miles without obstructions, the same as flareout or takeoffs from either end (especialy 15).
The only limitation I see Is the touchdown at the end of 15 runway being obscured by terminal but thats all.

The size of the platforms I would like would be Huge - nearly 55 feet long by 40 feet wide so lots of viewing space.

 

[justplanecrazy]

Hi i saw your post on this idea on another forum and thinks it's a brilliant idea! i really do wish you all the best in this project and you can defo count on me to come and visit frequently. :good:

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Another Pic, showing park on the left and a great view over the whole BHX site and the great position and so close to yet more Important not a security Issue ie - not touching the airport boundary fence.

 

[Aviador]

Hi i saw your post on this idea on another forum and thinks it's a brilliant idea! i really do wish you all the best in this project and you can defo count on me to come and visit frequently. :good:

Welcome to Forums4airports "justplanecrazy"

Would it be feasible to have an observation tower as well as the platforms for viewing "Elmdon80slad"? Nothing too extravagant just something a little taller, perhaps you could charge an extra quid for using it too?

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Hi i saw your post on this idea on another forum and thinks it's a brilliant idea! i really do wish you all the best in this project and you can defo count on me to come and visit frequently. :good:

Welcome to Forums4airports "justplanecrazy"

Would it be feasible to have an observation tower as well as the platforms for viewing "Elmdon80slad"? Nothing too extravagant just something a little taller, perhaps you could charge an extra quid for using it too?

Hi,

I think that would depend on who and what kind of financial backers I can get Interested, I have contacted some quite well known business men and companies and even some quite famous media tycoons, and If I can get one person Imparticular It would be quite amazing as I think It could develope Into the best viewing/visitor experience In the Uk, allowing for Manchesters fine facility being a different beast .. :good: