English Heritage is delighted that the Abbey Road Studios have today (23 February 2010) been recognised by grade ll listing following English Heritage’s advice from 2003.
In 2003, English Heritage advised ministers that the building possessed huge cultural importance and a remarkable and inspiring association with music making and should be listed in recognition of this unique special interest. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has now endorsed that advice and listed the building.
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage said: ‘Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road Studios. English Heritage has long recognised the cultural importance of Abbey Road – it contains, quite simply, the most famous recording studios in the world which act as a modern day monument to the history of recorded sound and music. The listing of the building is a welcome acknowledgement of the contribution the studios have made to our musical heritage, and we hope that in some form, they can continue to play a role in inspiring the musicians of the future’.
Listing is a way of saying that a building is special and that every care should be afforded to decisions affecting its future. English Heritage warmly welcome EMI’s appreciation for the cultural value embodied in the building and their understanding that listing is an appropriate way to recognise that value.
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