Campaign launched to save Birmingham Airport’s first terminal building - Elmdon Terminal and Control Tower building.
The building was opened by the Duchess of Kent back in 1939 when commercial flight was in its infancy.
The building became famous for its over-hanging canopies which resembled an aeroplane’s wings.
The former Control Tower is widely recognised mainly through its media role adding ‘period-piece atmospherics’ to film and television prorammes.
In the past plane-spotters and the general public could eat at the skyways restaurant and stand on the balcony watching the flights come and go.
More recently the terminal building has been used by wealthy individuals for private flights, by VIPs and by royalty. However, all major national and international flights are now handled at Birmingham International Airport’s new terminal close to Birmingham International Station and the NEC.
The former Elmdon Terminal building finally closed a few weeks ago. It had been badly damaged during the recent freeze.
Despite Elmdon’s illustrious history, it is not listed and has no legal protection. Campaigners say it could be reborn as an aviation museum, an exclusive hotel perhaps or fine dining restaurant with great views of the airport runway.
There is a precedent for this. The original Grade II-listed Art Deco Liverpool airport terminal A has been very successfully converted into the Crowne Plaza – Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
We will check on developments and alert you if a new hotel or conference venue becomes a reality at Birmingham’s old Elmdon Airport building.