Iconic air terminal saved Historic England lists Birmingham’s 1930s airport building after campaign
BIRMINGHAM’S iconic 1930s airport terminal has been saved for future generations after being granted listed status.
The Elmdon Terminal and control tower, which was opened by the then Duchess of Kent in 1939, was this week granted protected status by Historic England following a highprofile campaign.
Famous for its wing-like canopies, the art deco terminal was last used in 1984.
Before that it had specialised as a departure point for private flights serving VIPs and even royalty. It was later used as offices for airport staff until its closure earlier this year.
In April campaigners launched an online petition calling for the airport to either fix and restore the building or hand it over to an organisation for protection. It had suffered a flood before the launch of the campaign.
Now Historic England has acted, making the building a grade II-listed structure alongside a number of other landmarks across the country. There are now 400,000 listed build- ings and sites in England. Grade II listing means buildings are of ‘special interest’, warranting every effort to preserve them.
Simon Richards, acting managing director at Birmingham Airport, said: “We fully support the awarding of grade II status for Elmdon in recognition of this historical building’s importance within the local community.
“The original terminal building when the airport first opened in 1939, it is a celebration of our aviation history, in an era where air travel was at its most glamorous.
“We would like to thank all those at Historic England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, who were involved in making this happen.”
During its heyday, the original ter- minal building housed a public bar, tea lounge and restaurant – and its concrete ‘wings’ provided cover to passengers below and balconies for viewing flights.
Leading campaigner Chris Shaw, said: “My passion for the building was brought about by frustration, watching it deteriorate when it had so much history and potential.
“I’m extremely happy for everyone that signed the petition, and for anyone who has ever had any kind of association with the building – staff, passengers or those who watched planes as youngsters.
“The building has so many memories for so many people.
“The right decision has been made, this is a landmark that represents aviation in its infancy and a far cry from what we has today.”
He added: “I hope it will be restored to its former glory, maybe turned into a visitor centre that celebrates aviation heritage and inspires future generations with exhibits, a restaurant or a viewing area”