'Unique' building officially listed

Maureen Miller said the building is "unusual" but agrees it should be listed

A brutalist building in Craigavon, whose appearance has split opinion, has been listed officially.

Marlborough House has been called lots of things in the past 50 years – but love it or loathe it, the huge office block will remain.

Terms such as 'marmite, Lego and frogspawn' have all been used to describe the seven-storey block, which has been home to public sector workers since the 1970s.

Its new B1 listing is for buildings of local importance, which provide a good example of a period or style.

Maureen Miller's husband used to work in it. She said the unique nature of the building is important.

"It's unusual, I don't think I've ever seen anything similar to it ever before so from that point alone I imagine it's in the interests to keep it there. I don't think listing is unreasonable at all," she said.

The listing allows some degree of alteration but, broadly speaking, the appearance must now remain the same.

With government workers vacating it in the coming months, there are questions about the timing of the listing, which some fear could impact investment in the site and the long-term condition of the building.

Crossing the footbridge from Rushmere Shopping Centre to Marlborough House, locals all have an opinion on a building that features 108 rectangular white panels surrounding small off-centre windows on each side.

Ronnie Hanna said he isn't sure what the building could be used for now

But Ronnie Hanna strongly disagrees.

"I just find it incredible that that is a listed building, I'm flabbergasted," he said.

"It was a very functional building so I'd say government departments were the appropriate use. There had been a rumour it was going to be demolished. I honestly can't imagine what other use it could be put to."

But Hayley Smith from Portadown has some ideas.

"It's not exactly a pretty building but what could go in it? Other businesses maybe, small holdings? Perhaps a hotel or a leisure complex. I'd like to see something new in there."

And that's the challenge. Once the workers leave Marlborough House, the Department of Finance will offer it to other public bodies. If they're not interested it'll go on the open market.

Hayley Smith also wonders what could go into the building

Alderman Gareth Wilson, who sits on the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council planning committee, said he fears the listing will do little to attract interest from either the public or private sector.

"It's a marmite building," he said.

"I don't think the wider implications have been fully realised.

"There is a condition report that says it would cost £18m just to revamp the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems so I can see why they are walking away but I can't see why they would want this restriction on it that would hamper the private sector coming in with an idea for the site."

"Is there a way to get rid of the defects but to maintain the architectural heritage of it by looks rather than maintaining its concrete format. I think we need to think outside the box, and it's quite the box."

Alderman Gareth Wilson said it's a "marmite building"

But John Anderson of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society said Marlborough House is exactly the type of building that should be protected.

He also believes government should be more proactive in finding a future for such structures.

"You'll never have seen anything that looks like that, so special speaks for itself," he said.

"It is so weird and architecturally significant of its time as a modernist building.

"None of these buildings should be emptied out without some sort of business plan. A building of this quality, of this interest, of this individuality. There's not a lot of individuality in Craigavon so why would you knock down the best example."

John Anderson said the building is "weird and architecturally significant"

Marlborough House is no longer at risk of being knocked down but what comes next is unclear.

The Department of Finance said it is "aware that the listing decision may impact on its ability to dispose of Marlborough House within the public sector".

However, it will "continue to work with public sector colleagues to consider an alternative use for the site".