London's 'Ugliest Building' Given Grade II Listing
Wednesday 10th July 2013
A building labelled one of the ugliest in London has been given a Grade II listing.
Image: Google Maps
Ernö Goldfinger's Metro Central Heights in Elephant and Castle was called one of the 'worst examples of post-war development' by the Design Museum.
But Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey and English Heritage have given the prestigious award to the controversial building.
Mr Vaizey said: "Goldfinger considered this to be his most significant work.
"Acclaimed when it was first built, it subsequently divided opinion but has now – 25 years after first being put forward for listing – clearly passed the test of time.
"I am pleased now to be able to give it the recognition it deserves."
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage said: "Built by distinguished architect Ernö Goldfinger, Metro Central Heights is an excellent example of high calibre post-war architecture.
"An accomplished building, it has proved highly influential for designs which followed. We are pleased that the Heritage Minister agrees with our advice and has listed it at Grade II."
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so upset by some of Mr Goldfinger's designs, that he named one of his villiains after the architect.
I remember reading a long time ago that we have something like 300,000 listed buildings in the UK - a bit excessive, perhaps? There are some amazingly weird examples out there.
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Wednesday 10th July 2013
A building labelled one of the ugliest in London has been given a Grade II listing.
Image: Google Maps
Ernö Goldfinger's Metro Central Heights in Elephant and Castle was called one of the 'worst examples of post-war development' by the Design Museum.
But Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey and English Heritage have given the prestigious award to the controversial building.
Mr Vaizey said: "Goldfinger considered this to be his most significant work.
"Acclaimed when it was first built, it subsequently divided opinion but has now – 25 years after first being put forward for listing – clearly passed the test of time.
"I am pleased now to be able to give it the recognition it deserves."
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage said: "Built by distinguished architect Ernö Goldfinger, Metro Central Heights is an excellent example of high calibre post-war architecture.
"An accomplished building, it has proved highly influential for designs which followed. We are pleased that the Heritage Minister agrees with our advice and has listed it at Grade II."
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so upset by some of Mr Goldfinger's designs, that he named one of his villiains after the architect.
I remember reading a long time ago that we have something like 300,000 listed buildings in the UK - a bit excessive, perhaps? There are some amazingly weird examples out there.
