Speke Aerodrome
The mystery location was Speke Aerodrome (the old Liverpool Airport) somewhere that has been closed since 1986 when a new airport terminal and runway was built further south. I always remember the staircases inside the main foyer being wide and with ornate metal railings, I didn’t venture in to see if they were still there however… there were too many “your vehicle will be clamped” signs and barriers everywhere.
The plane outside is a DeHavilland DH89 Dragon Rapide which doesn’t appear to be in the best of condition – the top left wing appeared to be held on with Gaffer Tape. Other than that, it has a nice paint job…
There is also a plaque next to the plane giving a brief history of the old airport.
…and the terminal building again.
October 28th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Used to help Harry Patterson give pleasure flights in his De-Havilland Fox Moth, in the fifties, at Speke Airport.
Never got any pictures.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Can anyone give me any information regarding the architcecture of the Marriott at Speke. I am interested in the original designer and the designer who converted it into it’s present form.
Thankyou.
December 14th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
2. Lorraine, I was fortunate to be the Senior Project Manager for Balfour Beatty, Design and Build Contractor for the restoration of Speke Aerodrome between 1999 and 2001
Our Architects were Falconer Chester,Liverpool Based practice. Phil Chester was the partner responsible for the restoration designs for the two aircraft hangars and the original airport terminal building, now the Crowne Plaza hotel. Phil was sadly killed,(ironically), in a light aircraft accident just before we completed the project . A great architect and a big personality. Paul Falconer is now main partner in the restructured practice. If I can be of any help please let me know my e-mail is miles380@ntlworld.com
March 8th, 2009 at 2:36 am
Is there any information about the P-38 lines in the hangers during the war. My mother who is now 83 worked crawling into the tail sections and installing the wiring harnesses. She thinks it wasn’t any big deal and just part of the war effort. But I was wondering if there is any recognition of the effort at speke, or someone that is collecting history on the subject.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
AIRPORT POLICE : – I was stationed as a Constable / Sgt at Speke Airport from 1969 to the late 1970s – looking out for photos of Airport Police and their patrol vehicles covering the 50s, 60s and 70s