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Heathrow landmark disappears

As part of Heathrow’s transformation and to make way for roads which will serve the new Terminal 2, one of the last iconic remnants of ‘OLD’ Heathrow, the Control Tower has been demolished. With its distinctive red brick construction, glazed Air Traffic Control Room and White Radar Dome, the distinctive nine-floor silhouette of the Control Tower has gazed out over an ever-evolving airport since 1955.

It was constructed in the same era as the now-demolished Queens Building and Europa Building (the former Terminal 2 building) and replaced the RAF Control Tower, shortly after the first modern runway and terminal building were opened by The Queen. Up to that point, the early passenger terminals were ex-military marquees that formed a tented village along Bath Road. The Old Control Tower was designed by architect Sir Frederick Gibberd, who was also responsible for the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Didcot Power Station. It closed last year after almost 60 years’ service. Whilst Air Traffic Control transferred to the new control tower in 2007, the building continued to be a home to offices until its final closure.