A SIXTIES concrete pavilion which was a focus of controversy for years has been placed in the top 5% of buildings in England after being listed by the Government.
The Apollo Pavilion, designed by artist Victor Pasmore, has been awarded Grade II-star status by Heritage Minister John Penrose, following advice from English Heritage.
For decades locals wanted the Apollo Pavilion at Peterlee, County Durham, demolished saying it was no more than a magnet for under-age drinkers and disorderly behaviour.
The successful application for listed building status was submitted by the Apollo Pavilion Community Association (APCA) with assistance from John and Karen Topping, who are members of The Twentieth Century Society.
Mr Pasmore taught at Newcastle University and also worked as part of the team creating Peterlee New Town in County Durham, where he sited his pavilion at Sunny Blunts.
The pavilion was completed in 1969 as the centrepiece of a wider landscape, joining the two sides of a housing estate in the town.
It was subject to much vandalism and neglect in the late 1970s and 1980s and, after a campaign by some residents to have it removed, came close to being demolished before being refurbished to its original condition thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. David Taylor-Gooby, chair of the APCA, said: “This really is a great achievement for everybody who worked tirelessly to help secure the Pavilion’s restoration but also a proud moment in the recent history of Peterlee as a town.
“We now have something which has achieved national recognition, and which we should celebrate. The Apollo Pavilion’s restoration was due to the efforts of people who believed in Peterlee and wanted to do something to make their town better.”
Mr Penrose said: “This is a striking example of how abstract art and ‘brutalist’ architecture can come together to make a building that is quite unique, and all the more so now that it has been rescued from dereliction in a highly successful project supported by Lottery funding and driven by the commitment of local people.
“Listing at Grade II-star means that the Apollo has been recognised as being of more than special interest. This doesn’t mean that it can’t be changed but it does mean that its status has to be taken proper account of if any development proposals come forward in the future.”
Nick Bridgland, designation team leader at English Heritage, said: “English Heritage is delighted that the minister has agreed with our recommendation and has listed the Apollo Pavilion.
“Named in homage of space exploration, the pavilion showed the bold optimism of those building the new town of Peterlee.
“Designed by Victor Pasmore, one of Britain’s leading post-war artists, the pavilion is as much an abstract sculpture as it is a building, providing a focal point to the small park at the centre of the community.
“After decades of gradual decline, the restoration of the pavilion in 2009 has once again revealed its striking design.”
More work by Victor Pasmore can be seen in the Rates Hall of Newcastle Civic Centre.
