British Library becomes Grade I listed building

Heritage Minister safeguards London landmark.

The British Library at St Pancras has been granted Grade I listed building status, joining nearby St Pancras Hotel and station and King’s Cross station in the top 2.5% of listed buildings.

The recognition comes following the advice of Historic England, a public body dedicated to protecting England’s historic places.

Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: “The British Library divided opinion from the moment its design was revealed, but I am glad that expert advice now allows me to list it, ensuring that its iconic design is protected for future generations to enjoy.”

The library has been awarded the highest listed building status less than two decades after opening. Listed buildings are usually required to be at least 30 years old.

The National Heritage List for England currently features just over 50 buildings that date from the 1970s.

Sir Colin St John Wilson and his partner MJ Long worked on the structure’s designs from 1982-1999. With five floors open to the public, it was the 20^th Century’s largest public building to be constructed in the UK.

Director of Listing at Historic England, Roger Bowdler, said: “The British Library is one of England’s finest modern public buildings. Listing it at Grade I acknowledges its outstanding architectural and historic interest. Colin St John Wilson’s stately yet accessible design incorporates fine materials and a generous display of public art. The Library’s dramatic and carefully considered interiors achieve its ultimate goal: of creating a space to inspire thought and learning.

“Historic England has had a really constructive consultation with the British Library throughout. The way it has been listed celebrates its qualities, and points out just what does make it special. This will enable it to go on flourishing as a dynamic public building, in which appropriate change is welcomed.”

Seven other libraries across the UK were also listed, all achieved Grade II status. These are:

• Suffolk Record Office, Suffolk (1963-5) by Donald McMorran
• Bebington Central Library, The Wirral (1967-71) by Paterson, Macauley and Owens
• Milton Keynes Central Library, Milton Keynes (1979-81) by Buckinghamshire County Council architects
• Chandler’s Ford Library, Eastleigh, Hampshire (1981-2) by Hampshire County Council architect Colin Stansfield Smith
• West Sussex Library, West Sussex (1965-6) by county architect F R Steele
• Bourne Hall Library & Social Centre, Epsom, Surrey (1967-70) by A.G. Sheppard Fidler and Associates
• Lillington Library, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire  (1959-60) by Henry Fedeski

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