Home / Arts and Entertainment / Brutalist Gem Gets Landmark Status
Brutalist Gem Gets Landmark Status
20 Feb
Summary
- Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery listed Grade II.
- Listing celebrates 1951 Festival of Britain's legacy and cultural importance.
- Government urged to fund £30m for artists after conservation ruling.
The brutalist Southbank Centre, comprising the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery, has officially received Grade II listed building status. This designation marks a significant endorsement of this London cultural landmark, echoing the transformative spirit of the 1951 Festival of Britain. While the centre's concrete architecture has historically divided opinion, this listing closes a long-standing debate about postwar British architecture.
Despite its sometimes controversial appearance, the Southbank Centre has long been a vibrant hub for arts and performances. The decision to protect these 1960s structures acknowledges their enduring cultural value and contribution to the South Bank's status as a major arts precinct. This move halts previous redevelopment schemes, prioritizing conservation.
With conservation now paramount, the government is being urged to provide substantial backing. The Southbank Centre has requested £30 million to support its artists and curators. This funding is seen as crucial for ensuring the venue's continued vitality and innovation, upholding the public good ethos of its origins.
