Protecting London’s Skyline: Embankment Place Listing Bid
Campaign Underway to Safeguard Charing Cross Landmark
A prominent campaign is gaining momentum to secure a Grade II* listing for Embankment Place, the distinctive barrel-roofed office complex that hovers above Charing Cross station. The Twentieth Century Society (C20), a national heritage charity, has formally called for this elevated status to protect the building from significant alterations proposed by its current owners. This action comes after the owner applied for a Certificate of Immunity from listing, signaling plans for a substantial revamp of the structure and its surrounding area. A Grade II* listing would impose strict limitations on modifications, ensuring the preservation of its unique architectural integrity. For many who traverse central London, Embankment Place is an unforgettable part of the cityscape, a prominent feature that greets visitors to this bustling transport hub. Its future now hangs in the balance, highlighting the ongoing debate about how best to preserve London’s modern architectural heritage amidst continuous development and regeneration efforts, ensuring these unique london attractions remain for future generations.
Architectural Gem Echoes History and Defines Modern London
Designed by the late Sir Terry Farrell, construction on Embankment Place began in 1989. Farrell’s postmodern ‘Palace on the River’ was an innovative ‘air rights’ building, suspending nine storeys of offices high above the thrumming railway tracks of Charing Cross station. This ingenious design not only created new commercial space but also paid homage to the station’s original, collapsed barrel-shaped roof from 1905. The developers, Greycoat, lauded it as ‘a building of exceptional character on a very important site,’ a ‘proscenium arch’ that added dramatic flair to the Thames riverside. While initially polarizing, likened by some to a ‘bloated bauble,’ the building’s audacious design has undeniably softened in public opinion over decades. Oli Marshall of C20 asserts it’s ‘undoubtedly the most successful’ of its kind in London, proving its longevity and significance. For those who visit London and explore its unique character, Embankment Place stands out, making it an iconic structure that many instantly recognise and ask, ‘where to go in London to see interesting architecture?’
The Broader Battle for Postmodern Heritage
The push for Embankment Place’s listing is part of a wider conversation about the value of Postmodern (PoMo) architecture from the 1980s and 90s. C20 argues that this era of design remains largely undervalued, urging a formal assessment of its architectural and historic merit before it’s too late. This advocacy follows previous successful campaigns, such as the listing of the Southbank Centre, which marked a significant victory for Brutalist architecture after years of debate. The society also recently campaigned for 10 Cabot Square in Canary Wharf, another PoMo landmark facing demolition threats. Protecting Embankment Place is therefore crucial, not just for the building itself, but as a precedent for safeguarding other significant PoMo structures across the capital. Preserving these unique buildings ensures that London’s rich architectural tapestry continues to evolve while honoring its diverse past, offering interesting backdrops for London events and complementing the historic grandeur of a London museum or a compelling London exhibition.
Source: Embankment Place: Campaigners Demand Grade II* Listing For Charing Cross Building
