Most iconic buildings demolished over the last 20 years

The built environment around us is constantly changing as new buildings appear and old ones are taken down. While many buildings disappear without making an impact, in every city and town around the world, there are unique buildings that have become truly iconic.

We’ve taken a look at some of the most iconic buildings to be demolished over the last 20 years.

Iconic buildings demolished across the world

John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 3, New York

The circular "Worldport" terminal was first opened in 1960 and quickly became one of the most iconic terminals in the world. Designed by Tippets-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton, it was a symbol of 60s tourism. But, by 2013, it was starting to look dated and had clearly seen better days. Its retro style no longer fit with the look and feel of the rest of the airport.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey decided to replace the terminal in 2013, with work completing in 2015.

Yankee Stadium, New York

The Yankee Stadium played a major role in popularising baseball and became one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world.

Opened in 1923, the famous venue also hosted games for the New York Giants football team and lots of other sporting events. However, in 2010, the Yankees built a brand new, modern stadium which resulted in the original stadium being demolished.

Hennessy Centre, Hong Kong

The Hennessy Centre, a 41 storey, 458-foot-tall structure, was an iconic part of Hong Kong’s skyline. It only stood tall for 15 years before being demolished to accommodate a mall expansion.

Iconic buildings demolished in London

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium in London was by far one of the world’s most recognisable stadiums, having played host to major sporting and music events including the 1948 Olympics, the 1966 World Cup final, Queen at Live Aid in 1985 and Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour in 1988.

Known as the Empire Stadium and the cathedral of football, the old Wembley Stadium was demolished in 2003.

Drapers Gardens

Located near to the Bank of England, Drapers Gardens was a 100-metre skyscraper that was an integral part of London’s iconic skyline. Designed by the architect Richard Seifert, the building was demolished in 2007 and replaced with mid-rise office blocks.

London Astoria

A much-loved nightclub, London Astoria was closed in 2009 and was demolished pretty much straight away. This was by far one of the biggest casualties of the Crossrail construction works.

Iconic Buildings Demolished by H&S

Solent Flour Mills, Southampton

Built in the 1930s and a landmark of Southampton Docks for nearly a century, the former Rank Hovis Solent Flour Mills were demolished in 2020 by Hughes and Salvidge. The removal of the buildings has made way for new terminal buildings.

Old Control Tower, London Heathrow Airport

Demolished in 2012, the Old Control Tower was a 9-storey building at Heathrow Airport. A high-profile London demolition project, the works had many constraints as the structure was situated within one of the world’s busiest airports and adjacent to Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station (the UK’s busiest). The works made way for new roads as part of the Terminal 2 redevelopment.

Princess Margaret Hovercraft

The Princess Margaret was built in 1968 by the British Hovercraft Corporation and, along with sister hovercraft The Princess Anne, transported passengers and cars across The Channel until October 2000. They could carry up to 254 passengers and 30 cars each, and were just over 130ft long. Hughes and Salvidge demolished the hovercraft in 2018.

The Dell, Southampton

Demolition of Southampton FC’s former home took place almost immediately following a friendly match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion in 2001. The demolition involved the stadium and its various offices, changing rooms and hospitality facilities, in readiness for the development of a housing estate.