Once the tallest secular building in London, the London Transport’s iconic Art Deco headquarters building, 55 Broadway has had its protected status upgraded from Grade II to Grade I.
Once considered a building that is “nationally important and of special interest”, the architects at English Heritage now think it is “of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important”.
While good to protect the building, being listed can be something that building owners would prefer didn’t happen as even minor changes can get wrapped up in red-tape as English Heritage breathe down the neck of the owners.
Then again, with cuts to their budget, maybe TfL haven’t got any money left to make changes to the building.
English Heritage’s own website is still showing it as Grade II listed – maybe they need planning permission to make changes to the webpage?
Planning Resource via Railway Eye
Also related, next month there will be a talk about the importance of Charles Holden’s designs for London Underground stations in the 1920s and 1930s. Charles Holden being also the designer of the London Transport HQ building.
The talk is being given by Dr Eitan Karol, architectural historian and author, and Mike Ashworth, Design and Heritage Manager, London Underground. More details here.
Related Blog Post: A tour of London Underground’s Art Deco HQ Building
Would it have been EH who are responsible for the listing, or Westminster city council?
I’m surprised it’s taken so long – Bristol Central Library, one of Holden’s early works, has been Grade I listed for some time.