A heritage charity and a campaign group have applied to list the former world's first purpose-built YMCA building, which closed in February after being sold. The Twentieth Century Society and the ExY Club submitted applications to Historic England to protect the Brutalist structure on Great Russell Street. They argue that the building holds significant architectural and historical value, emphasizing its importance to the community and its unique heritage as a leisure complex. Despite a petition with over 8,000 signatures, the building was sold in late 2022, prompting these efforts for preservation.
The building is the subject of a recent sale which may alter the interior layout and change the purpose and nature of the buildings historic function.
The Twentieth Century Society's submission said the "Brutalist concrete megastructure" had "considerable historic and architectural interest".
A spokesperson for the Twentieth Century Society said the listing would ensure that "whatever the future may hold, [the building's] undeniable architectural qualities would endure".
Bloomsbury's Brutalist landmark has clear historic interest as the site of the world's first YMCA, and its status as an Asset of Community Value demonstrates its importance.
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