The Lloyds Building in the City of London could become a Grade 1 listed building

The Lloyd’s building, also nicknamed the inside out building, located at 1 Lime Street in the City of London could become a Grade 1 listed property.

Lloyd’s bosses have voiced their concerns that the 14 storey, stainless steel structure could be dwarfed by new taller properties such as the Cheesegrater, Helterskelter and the Walkie Talkie.

1 Lime Street is distinctive because all of its staircases, lavatories, lifts, water pipes and electrical power cables are on the outside, meaning additional maintenance work is often needed to protect it from the weather.

Earlier this year, part of one of the windows on the 12th floor fell off and smashed to the ground. How much additional maintenance work does this property need and exactly how sustainable is it?

If Grade 1 listed status is granted, it will be a first for post modern structures in Britain. It seems many people agree with the Lloyd's bosses, as the property is regularly visited by school groups and the general public. It has also become a major tourist attraction over the years and even has its own gift shop.

Danny Wild who has worked at Lloyd’s for 47 years commented in the Evening Standard, "It's got its little faults but the atmosphere is electrifying. Many years ago the highest thing in the City was the Monument. Then nobody was allowed to go higher than us. The Gherkin is there now but this is better.

Zahid Chaudhri, Marketing Director at SOS> Search Office Space commented "It would be a great achievement if long established and iconic centre of commerce such as the Lloyds Building is and honoured with a Grade I listed building status. It has a unique place in the history of the City and hopefully it will be listed and preserved for future generations."

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Lloyds listed: tower gets protected status