A clutch of post-war buildings in Coventry have been heritage listed, as the city prepares to become UK City of Culture for 2021.
Eight architectural sites have been selected from the pedestrianised Upper Precinct shopping area, built as part of the UK city's regeneration following heavy bombing during the second world war.
They include buildings occupied by the retailers Marks and Spencer, Woolworths and British Home Stores (BHS), as well as a dance hall, a hotel, a shopping centre, a decorative mast and a foundation stone for the redevelopment.
UK government lists eight post-war sites in Coventry
The government has given a Grade-II listing to all eight sites on the recommendation of Historic England, the public body responsible for protecting Britain's historic landmarks. They are among a relatively small number of postwar retail buildings on the list. The eight listed architectural sites are located in the pedestrianised Upper Precinct shopping area, built following heavy bombing during the second world war
"The reinvention of Coventry after the second world war and the vital role that its postwar architecture played in restoring pride and confidence was renowned internationally," said Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson.
"The buildings, built between 1948 and 1958, form the centrepiece of Coventry's post-war reconstruction and reflect the spirit of a re-born city," he continued. "They deserve the recognition and protection tha...