The Southbank Centre was once deemed Britain’s most unattractive structure, but recent interest in its architectural style, spurred by the acclaim of The Brutalist, has reignited efforts to secure its listing.
For the past 34 years, various governments have consistently turned down requests to designate the centre, which comprises a collection of concrete buildings, including the Hayward Gallery, the Purcell Rooms, and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
The Twentieth Century Society (C20S), an advocate for modern architectural designs, has reiterated its call for the three buildings to be listed. This appeal was made on Wednesday, coinciding with the expiration of the current immunity from listing.
The centre’s owners have requested an extension of this immunity for an additional five years. However, the C20S has advised against this, urging instead that the complex be awarded Grade II*-listed status. The society claims to have the support of the government’s heritage agency; however, Historic England has stated that its opinions on listing are confidential.
Historic England, previously known as English Heritage, has recommended listing the Southbank Centre on five different occasions, but these suggestions have been dismissed by successive culture secretaries.
If the Southbank Centre were granted listing, it would resolve one of the longest ongoing architectural disputes between advocates and governmental authorities.
Catherine Croft, director of C20S, remarked: “This innovative fusion of performance venues and art galleries is a postwar architectural gem and stands out as one of the most iconic—and debated—examples of British brutalism, currently gaining attention due to the Oscar-nominated film sharing its name.”
Recently, the three-and-a-half-hour film captured the award for best picture at the London Critics’ Circle awards and is anticipated to be a strong contender at the Oscars.
Interestingly, Croft expressed her dissatisfaction with the film, stating at a screening last month to the Guardian’s architecture critic, Oliver Wainwright, “It’s just utter tosh.” Nevertheless, she is thrilled about the renewed interest in brutalist architecture, particularly for the Southbank Centre.
Croft noted: “This is a building that often elicits the remark, ‘I can’t believe it’s not listed.’ It is a globally acknowledged brutalist masterpiece, cherished by enthusiasts and increasingly appreciated by the general public.”
The Hayward Gallery, Purcell Rooms, and Queen Elizabeth Hall were crafted by the former London county council architects department, guided by Norman Engleback, and inaugurated by the late monarch.
Their intentionally rough concrete finishes represented a departure from the streamlined aesthetics of classical modernist architecture. Upon its completion in 1967, readers of the Daily Mail voted it the ugliest building in Britain.
Since the initial proposal for listing in 1991, numerous redevelopment plans for the Southbank Centre have emerged, yet all have ultimately failed.
Other modernist and brutalist structures along the South Bank have achieved listing, such as the Royal Festival Hall, which was designated Grade I in 1988, and Denys Lasdun’s Royal National Theatre, which received Grade II* status in 1994.
For the Southbank Centre to receive listing, approval from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport would be necessary. Croft urged: “Our message to DCMS and heritage minister Chris Bryant is to act justly.”
She added, “The recent restoration has revitalized the inspiring interiors, and we are confident that listing would not hinder future programming or maintenance. Additionally, the complex undoubtedly fulfills all necessary criteria for designation.
“Securing listing would elevate the prestige and recognition of our brutalist heritage overall, fostering appreciation and sustainable use of other remarkable examples throughout the country.”
In response, a spokesperson for Historic England stated, “Any listing recommendations we make remain confidential until a decision has been reached by DCMS.”
