Demolition of ‘historic’ Terminal 2 begins

     Work has started on the total demolition of Terminal 2, Heathrow’s oldest passenger hub, ready for the rebuilding of a new replacement.
    The new building, also called Terminal 2,  will be home to Star Alliance airlines, and it is estimated that 20 million passengers will use its facilities every year. 
    BAA belive that locating one alliance at the new terminal will reduce connecting times for passengers, providing an improved, faster service and strengthening Heathrow’s competitive position.
    The original Terminal 2 closed to passengers at the end of last year, after 55 years. Since then, it has been prepared for demolition.
    Colin Matthews, chief executive of BAA, said: “Heathrow is changing for the better, and there is much still to do.  Our brand new Terminal 2 will offer a better service to airlines and millions of passengers.”
     Originally called the Europa Building, the airport’s first terminal opened in 1956 and became a backdrop to the glitterati as icons from the stage and screen passed through its doors. Stars and royalty passing through included The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Princess Margaret and Princess Grace of Monaco.
     In 1980, tapes from the classic TV show Dallas containing the ‘who shot JR?’ storyline arrived amid tight security at Terminal 2.  In 2006, Matt Damon filmed scenes from the Bourne Ultimatum in the terminal’s arrivals hall.
    Construction of the terminal started in 1951 and it was opened by the Queen along with the adjoining Queen’s Building administration building.
   It was originally called the Europa Building but was renamed Terminal 2 in 1969.