WORLD'S FINEST AIR PORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 28 December 1926, Page 7

WORLD'S FINEST AIR PORT

LONDON’S NEW TERMINAL STATION

Tho Air-Ministry has on hand a big new Terminal Station at Croydon, which with (additions tojt-lio Aerodrome, will cost £250,000. When completed next year tho Croydon Station will be the -beat-equipped Air Port in the world. One of tho two new hangars, which ore an important part of the scheme, will be available for use af TTIo end of November.. The other will ho ready by the, end of the year. The new Terminal Air Station is a handsomely designed concrete building —surmounted by a watch tower 55ft. high—containing a large hall leading directly into a luxurious waiting-room, a spacious customs; examination hall, and a goods warehouse, everything being arranged sc that there shall be no unnecessary delays. Separate exits and entrances are provided for passengers. Tn the hall, visible the moment one enters through the main door, will be placed a large meteorological-board advising passengers of the weather conditions.

The whole station is constructed of ferro-concrete blocks in steel frames, Ferrocrelc Rapid Hardening Cement being used throughout. Tho walls will be faced with a- mixture of cement and china clay residue, which, 'in the sunshine, will give a scintillating effect, visible at a distance of about ten miles in the air.

Fireproof floors of pre-cast concrete laid on beams of varying spans,, give further safety to the building. Great attention has also been paid to ihe comfort of the airmen. The two hangars are-large buildings 300 ft. long by 150 ft. deep, with a headway of 30ft. .Built on to them is. an annexe containing comfortable quarters abd spacious dining rooms. ' Surrounding the hangars is a huge concrete landing-apron,- coverings area of . 6,000 square yards., lliis novel feature will greatly ease the • task of the pilots.