Southbank Centre listing: Renewed calls to end decades-long architectural standoff
A campaign group has renewed calls for the Southbank Centre to be listed in a bid to conclude one of the country’s longest running architectural stand-offs.
C20 Society is pushing for authorities to nationally list the South Bank’s iconic arts centre after the Oscar nominated film, The Brutalist, inspired new interest in the building’s design.
C20 society director, Catherine Croft, said: “This is the building which often prompts the response: ‘I can’t believe it’s not listed’.
“It is an internationally recognised brutalist masterpiece, long loved by aficionados and now increasingly understood and respected by the wider public.”
The sprawling post-war centre, which includes the Hayward Gallery, Purcell Rooms and Queen Elizabeth Hall, is one of the most controversial examples of British Brutalism.
Historic England has recommended listing the Southbank Centre on five separate occasions since 1991, but each time the calls have been rejected by successive Secretary of States.
The latest call comes as a Certificate of Immunity(COI) from listing on the site expired on February 5. A COI prevents a building from being listed for a period of 5 years.
The owners of the building have asked for this immunity to be extended for another five years. But, the C20S has recommended this should be rejected.
Ms Croft said: “The recent restoration has revitalised the inspirational interiors, and we’re confident listing would not impede any future programming or maintenance.
“The complex unquestionably meets all the relevant criteria for a designation. The prestige and recognition of listing would send out a positive message about our brutalist heritage more generally, and encourage the appreciation and sustainable reuse of other outstanding examples across the country.”
The Hayward Gallery, Purcell Rooms and Queen Elizabeth Hall were opened by the late Queen Elizabeth in 1968 and 1967 respectively.
Designed by the London County Council Architects Department with concrete surfaces connected to walkways, staircases and rooftop terraces, the structure was a deliberate contrast to the classical modernism of the neighbouring Royal Festival Hall.
This attracted controversy, with the centre being voted ‘Britain’s ugliest building’ by readers of the Daily Mail in October 1967.
Since listing was first proposed in 1991, several plans have been put forward to redevelop the Southbank Centre, but all have ended in failure.
Securing Grade II listed status for the Southbank Centre would require approval from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Ms Croft said: “Our message for DCMS and the Heritage Minister, Chris Bryant MP, is: do the right thing.”
A spokesman for Historic England said: “Any listing recommendation we make is confidential until DCMS has made its decision.”
Pictured top: Archive photograph of the Hayward Gallery on the South Bank in 1976 (Picture: sjag / Alamy Stock Photo)
