Croydon’s centre of aviation and technological heritage raises its profile as it is awarded Grade II* Listing Status, perfect timing for the IHBC’s 2017 School on historic ‘Transport Infrastructure’, 22-4 June in Manchester, and especially the Day School afternoon focussed on air transport.
Ian Walker, Chairman of the Croydon Airport Society, writes: ‘On May 5th 2017, Historic England announced that protected listed building status of Croydon historic airport at Airport House, Purley Way, has been upgraded to Grade II*. Grade II* is the second highest statutory listing achievable. It is awarded to only 5.8% of the 400,000 important historic places listed in the UK.’
‘This is an important step in recognising the national historic significance of the magnificent building as the world’s first modern airport terminal and air traffic control tower, and acknowledging the importance the site played in shaping Britain’s early twentieth century history. Historic England’s announcement also coincides with the anniversary of Amy Johnson’s epic solo record-breaking flight from London Airport (as Croydon Airport then was) to Australia. The listing was upgraded to Grade II* for a multitude of reasons. Historic England’s detailed assessment highlighted the historic, architectural and technological interest amongst others, and can be seen in detail here.’
‘The building, completed in 1928, is the earliest internationally surviving example of an airport terminal and the world’s earliest air traffic control tower. The airport was also a place of innovation in the development of air traffic control and of Britain’s first international air routes and the launch point for significant record-breaking flights, most notably by Amy Johnson. Croydon Airport is open to visitors from 11am to 4pm on the first Sunday of every month throughout the year. Admission is free. Croydon Airport will be open during the Croydon Heritage Festival this June.
Read more in The Croydon Citizen
See the main lecture programme on Friday 23 June, which includes afternoon sessions on air transport.
See the Thursday tours and the Saturday tours
