Birmingham Airport, Birmingham
United Kingdom

Description of the Site

Art Deco original airport terminal of Birmingham airport. Set in the heart of the original Elmdon site, across the runway from commercial operations. Around this site are aircraft hangars, hotels, cargo sheds, FBO facilities, a small business park, ATC tower and catering facilities etc.

This art deco building was the original terminal building of Birmingham Airport designed by renowned architects Norman and Dawbarn, and opened by the Duchess of Kent in 1939 prior to the outbreak of World War 2 in which it was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF Elmdon). It’s most striking features include the Winged canopies under which aircraft parked,the rear balconies and former ATC tower. It received many internal alterations over the years as well as a few modest extensions until a new terminal eventually replaced it in 1984. Since then it has been used as a centre for VVIP flights and private/business/cargo/ police helicopter operations, staff training offices and ATC remained here until just a few years ago when the new tower was built. Numerous public faces, celebrities, royalty, politicians have passed through the building most notably US president Bill Clinton and other world leaders in 1998 during the G8 summit. Bill Clinton was amazed at how incredible the building looked. Many famous aircraft have also visited, most notably Concorde in 2003.

The Threat

In March 2018, a month after a major survey there was a top floor boiler froze and burst causing major flooding throughout that caused some ceiling tiles to collapse etc. The remaining 4 tenants were evicted immediately and 10 weeks later remain ‘homeless’ .

Efforts to Save The Elmdon Building

There have been no immediate efforts from the airport to limit the damage, Ie no dehumidifiers etc. Tenants were initially told there would be no more money invested in the building therefore there would be no chance of returning although there has been a slight change in language recently that contradicts this.
A petition was immediately set up by a former worker who appreciated the heritage of the building on change.org and the story was covered by local media and BBC News. At time of writing way over 5000 people have signed.

Links Connected to You or Your Group

Facebook group “Elmdon Aerodome, Birmingham Airport”

Change.org petition for the Elmdon Terminal

Video about President Bill Clinton’s visit to the terminal in 1998

Facebook post of the BBC news report on the terminal (longer version)

Direct link to the BBC news report on the terminal (shorter version)

Photo Gallery