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."

"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."

"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. 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 Southbank Centre has received Grade II listed status, securing protection for its layout, exterior and interiors. The complex comprises the Hayward Gallery, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the skatepark. The centre opened in 1967, designed under Norman Engleback, and underwent a major restoration and conservation project in 2018. The Twentieth Century Society and Historic England recommended listing multiple times and the site faced several demolition threats, creating a lengthy preservation impasse. Grade II designation recognizes the complex as of special interest and ensures its conservation for future generations.

Read at Time Out London