Lloyds building listed at grade I

The Lloyd’s building, designed by architect Richard Rogers, is to become the youngest grade-I listed building in the country.

The 1986 building in the City of London built by Sir Robert McAlpine will receive the honour when heritage minister John Penrose announces the listing later this morning.

Lloyds is one of just a handful of 20th century buildings to receive the honour and the decision to list it means Rogers joins fellow peer Lord Foster as a living architect with a grade-I listed building.

Foster’s Willis building in Ipswich was given grade I status in 1991.

Lloyds financial director Luke Savage told the Sunday Times that the listing would particularly limit changes to the structure’s highly distinctive exterior, famous for showing off the “guts” of the building.

“It means we can’t change, for example, the outside pipework, but on the other hand we don’t want to,” he said.

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners said: “[We] are delighted that Lloyd’s of London is to be honoured with grade-I listing status. It is important to conserve buildings of architectural and historical significance and the work of English Heritage is central to that. It is also of vital importance for buildings to remain flexible spaces that meet the changing needs of those who live or work in them. English Heritage have recognised this, ensuring the spirit of the original design is retained while the building remains adaptable in the future.”