This London icon that was once voted ‘Britain’s ugliest building’ has just been protected for future generations

These days, brutalist buildings are among London’s most celebrated works of architecture. But it hasn’t always been this way. Back in 1967, the Southbank Centre, one of the city’s most striking examples of the style, was voted Britain’s ugliest building by readers of the Daily Mail.

In the latest indicator of just how much times have changed, today (February 10) the Southbank Centre has been awarded listed status by the Department for Culture Media and Sport. The complex, which includes the Hayward Gallery, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the skatepark, now has Grade II status and is thereby protected for future generations.

Now, you might look at the Southbank Centre, with its mesmerising staircases and spectacular interior spaces and think ‘yeah, this is obviously a work of art’. But the journey to listed status hasn’t been easy for the Thameside icon.

The Twentieth Century Society and Historic England recommended the Southbank Centre to be listed six times since 1991. It’s also been threatened by a number of demolition plans over the years. Today’s decision ends a 35-year impasse.

The Southbank Centre was designed by a team under the leadership of Norman Engleback (who was also behind Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre) and it opened in 1967. The place had a sizable revamp in 2018, with the Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room at the centre of a restoration and conservation project.

Grade II status means that a structure is of ‘special interest’ and that its layout, exterior and interiors will be preserved.  

Twentieth Century Society director Catherine Croft described the Southbank Centre as ‘one of the best brutalist buildings in the world’, adding that the listing decision is ‘obviously very well deserved and long overdue’.

‘The arts complex is a highly sophisticated, sculptural masterpiece, with enormous richness of form and detail inside and out. The experience it gives concert goers and gallery visitors is unlike any other venue in the country, its virtuoso spaces still unrivalled.’

Several other major Southbank buildings already have listed status. Royal Festival Hall has been Grade I listed since 1988 and the National Theatre became Grade II* listed in 1994. 

And all just in time for the Southbank’s 75th birthday celebrations. This year the place will mark the landmark anniversary with a year of events, which you can find out all about here.

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