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US embassy wins listed status
Ruth Bloomfield22.10.09
The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square has been protected with listed status, it emerged today.
Architecture Minister Margaret Hodge revealed she had given the landmark Mayfair structure a Grade II listing to preserve it for future generations.
She told Building Design: "The use of concrete is very interesting and for me it has got historical connections. I well remember the anti-Vietnam protests there in 1968."
The move could slash the £500 million the US government had hoped to make from selling the building because redevelopment options will be limited. The embassy will move to Nine Elms, south London, in 2016.
Reader views (3)
"The use of concrete is very interesting"
It's a hideous building, look at it! Like a monstrous car park, concrete CAN be interesting, that building isn't!
- Dr Susan Porter, Chiswick
I suggest a public open day with free roaming across the entire building before it is sold then demolish it. It is an architectural mess, just because some dubious left-winger wants to relive their youth it does not mean they should inflict this monstrous edifice for the next 100 years.
If she hates the Americans so much that she protested against them why did she allow the development at Nine Elms.
- Jan, London UK
Can we quickly knock it down before the Yanks move?!
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
