Former Western Morning News Building in Plymouth Listed
Sir Nicholas Grimshaw-designed building the youngest to be added to the National Heritage List for England
The Western Morning News building in Plymouth, a striking example of high tech architecture designed by the major British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, has been listed at Grade II*. Built between 1991 - 1993 it’s the youngest building to be listed by the Department Culture Media and Sport, on the recommendation of Historic England, formerly English Heritage.
Emily Gee, Head of Designation at Historic England, said: “This striking building is a rare example of a large newspaper production facility built to a high specification. Its dramatic ship-like profile, with a fully-glazed curved wall, makes it a Plymouth landmark. It is right that the best of High Tech architecture, in which Britain led the way, is protected through listing.”
The building is technically innovative with a significant and influential development of fixed-point structural glazing, allowing a greater degree of sophistication with its organic curving shape and bespoke fittings.
Historic England was asked by the Twentieth Century Society to consider whether the building should be listed, after there were concerns over its possible demolition. The building is no longer at risk of being demolished and is now owned by Burrington Estates. Its exceptional design means it is fully deserving of its listing.
