Birmingham: Elmdon Building & Old Tower

[Dadjet]

Nice picture that, does anyone remember Bill Clinton's reaction when he arrived at the old terminal?

He would be just the sort of person to spearhead this campaign.

 

[Dadjet]

Nice picture that, does anyone remember Bill Clinton's reaction when he arrived at the old terminal?

He would be just the sort of person to spearhead this campaign.

If you look on my Elmdon Facebook Page I have edited a clip showing Bill Clintons face when he saw it during an interview with ex BHX boss Brian Summers.

 

[Dadjet]

you mean this....

May have to contact The Clinton Foundation ;-)

 

[GliderPilot]

View media item 6926
A photo I took on the 6th April, took it as I thought it would be nice due to the uncertain future of the building

 

[Ianbutty]

View media item 6926
A photo I took on the 6th April, took it as I thought it would be nice due to the uncertain future of the building

In 1939 when it opened noone would ever imagined that a plane so large as the one in the background would ever share a photo with that building.

 

[Ray Finkle]

From back in 2012 when it was still being used by ATC.

 

[Dadjet]

Quick update:
5000+signatures
High profile people/organisations contacted
Last week we was told there was zero chance of a return to the building and that the airport board would not approve any further funding for the building
This week the same people are suggesting a return for tennants is a real possibility by Christmas
I still think the best possible use would be a museum/heritage centre plus restaurant, viewing areas etc however a return to the status quo would be a small victory at least...who knows...

 

[Ray Finkle]

This building has now been granted Grade II listed status.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/art-deco-elmdon-birmingham-airport-15056322

The question is, what now?

 

[JENNYJET]

My fondest memories of Elmdon were seeing the WARDAIR DC-10s making the terminal seem small, not even the BMA, CYPRUS or Air India B707/720s could manage that!

 

[hay677]

The question is, what now?

Well first should be a huge round of applause for Chris Shaw (Dadjet) who seems to have turned this whole thing around single-handedly.

 

[Brum X]

Good news that Elmdon has been saved. When i visited a few weeks ago i was reminded what a truly lovely building this is. Maybe they could incorporate it into a new loco terminal if that was the plan for BHX to redevelop that side into such a facility ?

 

[GliderPilot]

From reading that article, the old terminal just maybe, maybe, maybe maybe, become a spotters paradise.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

This building has now been granted Grade II listed status.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/art-deco-elmdon-birmingham-airport-15056322

The question is, what now?

Wonderful, wonderful news . I so love that building.

As for 'what now?', I'd love to see it as a visitors center along with educational facilities for schools and colleges.
A cafe and a good restaurant, viewing facilities and possibly, a flight simulator or two. Imagine the views from the old tower!
As to whether that is commercially viable, I don't know. I am however convinced that encouraging interest in aviation amongst the local population is of great benefit to BHX. Even if it is a 'loss leader'.

Kevin

 

[GliderPilot]

Kevin, I think a location like that is 100% financially viable. Though the restoration would be expensive, If done properly that building could stand for years and years longer.

As you say, with aviation-related malarky in there such as a small museum piece, flight sims, cafe, and a 'fee on entry' viewing area with the big panoramic windows that money could very easily be made back.

Aren't some restoration projects funded by the lottery or some other kind of organisation that could be reached out to.

Endless possibilities for that building!!

Exciting times ahead

 

[wolfheze]

In 1939 when it opened noone would ever imagined that a plane so large as the one in the background would ever share a photo with that building.

Wouldn't have imagined that in 1976 either.

 

[wolfheze]

Kevin, I think a location like that is 100% financially viable. Though the restoration would be expensive, If done properly that building could stand for years and years longer.

As you say, with aviation-related malarky in there such as a small museum piece, flight sims, cafe, and a 'fee on entry' viewing area with the big panoramic windows that money could very easily be made back.

Aren't some restoration projects funded by the lottery or some other kind of organisation that could be reached out to.

Endless possibilities for that building!!

Exciting times ahead

I am quite sure a visitors centre/museum would be viable. Much better than a loco terminal with all those pesky A320s and 737s.

 

[GliderPilot]

I'm gonna do another shameless plug!!

But who would have thought in 1939 that a plane as big as the A380 would ever take to the skies, let alone go past the building at 150 odd mph twice a day!

https://www.forums4airports.com/media/6926/

 

[Brum X]

I am quite sure a visitors centre/museum would be viable. Much better than a loco terminal with all those pesky A320s and 737s.

Your not a fan then Wolf ?

 

[GliderPilot]

Also, another point, as well as having the Elmdon building used for the general public, It could also make the airport a lot of money if it was restored also for V.I.P use too. Separate floors for each, just like arrivals and departures in the new (new???? more like ancient) terminal on the east side of the airport.

Thinking aloud...

 

[jfy1999]

Does anyone know the state of the old tower? Have all the instruments been stripped out?