'It is an architectural masterpiece. A thing of great beauty' - why campaigners want to save Wolverhampton University's School of Art

This week the Express & Star exclusively revealed Wolverhampton University's plans for a radical shake-up of its estate, including the closure of its Telford campus and the demolition of the Brutalist nine-storey School of Art in the centre of the city.

The reorganisation will also see the city-centre sports hall make way for a medical school.

But Historic England has now confirmed that it is considering granting the building listed, status, which could prevent the plans from going ahead.

Meanwhile, an online petition has also been launched by campaigners calling for the building to be saved.

The building was officially opened in 1970 by celebrated sculptor and former student Sir Charles Wheeler.

Historic England is considering putting a protection order on the building following an application from the Twentieth Century Society.

Chris Collett of Historic England said: "We are currently in the process of assessing University of Wolverhampton's School of Art for listing. In due course we will submit our advice to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who will then make the final decision on the case."

Oli Marshall, campaigns director for the Twentieth Century Society, said the application had been lodged last year amid concerns about a possible threat to the building.

"Defined by its sculptural concrete ‘exoskeleton’, this is an excellent surviving example of a post-war art school that has remained in its original use and survives in very good condition, both externally and internally," he said.

"It clearly has abundant potential to be sympathetically upgraded or reconfigured to suit whatever plans the university may develop in the years to come. On the other hand, demolition would simply be wasteful, irresponsible and anti-growth."

In a separate development, a petition has been launched by a member of the public, known only as 'Bag Lord', on the website https://www.change.org/p/save-wolverhampton-school-of-art-building-from-demolition

Tom Aspinall from Telford was among those who have so far signed the petition, saying: "This is a beautiful brutalist building and holds a special place in every Wulfrunian heart. If this was in London, there would be a wide scale outcry.

"The neon light installation that lights up the facade every night lets you know you're home. It's a landmark and part of the identity of Wolverhampton. They should be putting up blue plaques, not tearing it down.

"It will no doubt be replaced with something bland and corporate. The city is being decimated. Why can't they just gut the building and refurbish?"

Sarah Swan, from Wolverhampton also expressed her sadness at the news.

"Please keep the best building in Wolverhampton," she said. "I love it, the children love it. It is an architectural masterpiece. A thing of greaty beauty in everyone's hearts."

Fellow Wulfrunian Gary Edwards said: "The landmark represents what our past wanted for our future. We should build not block, but we need to build around this, not over it with generic London-looking rubbish." 

Patrick Collyer from Birmingham said it was an 'iconic' building and a West Midlands landmark.

"it should not be demolished for the sake of false progression," he said. "Another hit to the Arts in the West Midlands, which is a huge disappointment."

Former student Jan Norton from Kingswinford added: "It was my second home for six years and full of amazing people. It was purpose built for making art. It would be such a loss to loose this unique space."