The Queens Building was built as part of a new central area for London Airport (as Heathrow was known at the time). It was designed in 1950 by Frederick Gibberd.[4] Though it was initially going to be named "Eastern Apex Building", upon opening by Queen Elizabeth II it was announced it would be named the "Queens Building" after the Queen.[1] The office buildings held the airport's administration, as well as airline offices and the only business and conference centre on airport property.[5] In 1956, it was one of the most visited attractions in London due to its runway viewing platforms and rooftop gardens.[4] It was a very popular location with plane spotters.[6] The Queens Building was also constructed with an immigration detention facility designed for holding immigration offenders short-term for up to five days.[7] This facility was in use until 1994 when a new immigration detention centre was opened at Cayley House on the Heathrow campus.[8]
In 2005, BAA announced that the Queens Building would be demolished alongside the old Terminal 2 building before rebuilding Terminal 2. BAA chairman Sir Nigel Rudd said "The Queens Building has long sat at the heart of Heathrow, but the past must make way for the future...".[9] Despite this, the Queens Building was expanded in 2006 to include new offices.[10] All airlines gradually moved out and BAA moved their offices to the Compass Centre.[11] Demolition started in 2009, with Terminal 2 flights being diverted to help facilitate the demolition.[2]
