UK's ugliest building set to be given listed status

Even its supporters admit it looks 'brutalist'.

Yet Birmingham Central Library, which many believe is one of Britain's ugliest buildings, could be made a listed building.

Eyesore: English Heritage has recommended Birmingham Central Library be made a listed building

English Heritage has recommended it be given Grade II status, claiming it 'defines an era' of the city's history.

The library, which was built in 1974, was to have been demolished as part of a £1billion regeneration plan. The quango's decision prompted dismay from the city's Civic Society.

Its chairman Freddie Gick said the library looked like an 'import from post-revolution Russia' and that it had no place in the city.

Birmingham City Council's head of regeneration, Clive Dutton, said it would be 'absurd' not to demolish the library. He also said English Heritage's report did not take into account the £100 million-plus cost of modernising the building.

The Central Library was designed by Birmingham architect John Madin and was said to be inspired by the design of the renowned Boston City Hall, which was completed in 1968. It is the largest and busiest library in Europe, serving 5,000 visitors a day and lending 670,000 items a year.

A spokesman for English Heritage accepted the library was 'not without its problems', but added: 'This brutalist modern building has defined an era of Birmingham's history. It was well designed for its original use, taking into account practical concerns such as the effect of direct sunlight on books.'

Local Government Minister Margaret Hodge will consider English Heritage's advice later this year.

Listed status does not automatically save buildings from demolition and Mr Dutton said he is confident the Government would still give permission to pull it down.