Goodbye Heathrow Tower

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Here's a really sad piccy I just received from an old work colleague. It should bring tears to the eyes of anyone who worked there..

[DC10RealMan]

The picture is indeed very sad.

We had a lot of fun there.

[PeltonLevel]

Given some of the other cr*p that gets listed, why has this iconic building been lost? Money talks?

[Gonzo]

Falling apart and riddled with asbestos?

[spekesoftly]

The steep ramp just below the VCR, was that the location of the "climbing frame" entry?

And the bay window (bottom left) - GM's office?

[B Fraser]

Shame, I had the pleasure of visiting the glasshouse at the top one morning. What an eye-opener that was. The average age of those on duty must have been about 22 and they were incredibly professional. I expected nothing less of course however I was very impressed.

[eglnyt]

Given some of the other cr*p that gets listed, why has this iconic building been lost? Money talks?

It was listed but only on the "local" list.

[obwan]

I know it's only bricks and mortar but that is a really sad sight.

[Talkdownman]

Yes, HD, tears for many happy years. Like losing an Old Friend. We had great times there. Never again will a slice of beetroot be launched onto the Belisha Crossing...

[ZOOKER]

Heartbreaking picture.
UKPLC really has lost the plot.

[Sir George Cayley]

Visionaries built it and Philistines destroyed it.

SGC

[ex-EGLL]

Not a pretty sight, I only worked there for a few years, but what a fantastic few years it was.

Barry

[jackieofalltrades]

The steep ramp just below the VCR, was that the location of the "climbing frame" entry?

Yes it is. I visited the tower on a number of occasions, was very taken aback the first time I went to see how steep the stairs were.

[FlyingEagle21]

UKPLC really has lost the plot.

REALLY? Keeping an old ugly 1950s building in the middle of Europe's busiest airport. I can't believe it's been non-operational for 6 years.

Although it was an icon. Heathrow looks like it is finally changing slowly for the better and has the investment is needs. Get rid of the bombsite that is T3 and you have yourself a decent airport.

[hangten]

UKPLC really has lost the plot.

Whoa, whoa whoa. Let's not confuse nostalgia with progress. If this is UK PLC losing the plot we'd all still be commuting on steam trains and trading with clipper ships just like in the good old days...

Still, it is a shame, and I understand how it feels for anyone that worked there.

[Talkdownman]

Originally Posted by hangten

Still, it is a shame, and I understand how it feels for anyone that worked there

I've had to get used to it. Most of the places I have worked have either been demolished (Southern ATCC, Preston ATCC, Sc ATCC Redbrae, LATCC West Drayton, Heathrow CTB, Stansted 1st Tower, Gatwick GMC, Farnborough N1 Tower, Blackbushe 'temp' tower) or remain defunct or derelict (Gatwick 1st Tower, Northern Radar Lindholme, School of ATC). Says a lot...

[DaveReidUK]

Doubtless the same sentiments were being expressed on PPRuNe in the 1950s, by those who used to work here:

[soaringhigh650]

It should bring tears to the eyes of anyone who worked there..

Yay. Tears of joy for me.

Great to know that the old has finally gone, including the old ways of dealing with 'clockwork mice' and setting up Class A airspace all over the place.

[Gonzo]

Excellent....that's ten pounds to me. Easy bet to win. So predictable.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Well soaringhigh650, I guess the old place is saying damned good riddance to you too.