Building’s future in doubt after protection bid fails

2:28pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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FOR nearly 70 years, the gleaming white Eli Lilly building has been one of Basingstoke's best-loved and well-known landmarks.

But now its future is in doubt after English Heritage rejected a bid to give the art deco factory listed status.

Basingstoke Heritage Society wanted to protect the building in Kingsclere Road in case the developer that has bought the site decided to tear it down.

However, a letter from English Heritage has now stated: "The Eli Lilly building does not possess the special architectural and historic interest required for listing in a national context."

Now, the society fears the unique building could meet the same fate as the former Worting Infant School, an early 20th century building recently demolished by David Wilson Homes.

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly stopped manufacturing at the site last year, and the facility is being decommissioned after being sold to developers Lemon Land for around £24million.

It is hoped that the site could become the base for Basingstoke's Learning Campus complex and also home to a relocated Basingstoke College of Technology.

However, when contacted by The Gazette, Peter Flintoff, director of Lemon Land, said he did not want to comment on plans for the site, which includes the landmark Lilly building.

Heritage society secretary Debbie Reavell said members hope the developer will recognise the Lilly building's heritage value and preserve it for posterity.

She said: "How can we take pride in our place if its beautiful buildings are demolished without even a squeak?

"It would be a blow for what's left and it would send a message out that Basingstoke's old buildings are not worth saving."

Mrs Reavell added: "It's no good asking a developer to love a building. But I would hope that, if they move into a community, they respect the buildings that are already there.

"This particular building is such a handsome, beautiful building that's part of Basingstoke."

Pre-war industrial architect Arthur George Porri designed the modernist four-storey laboratory building for Eli Lilly as its main plant in Britain.

When it opened in 1939, locals dubbed it the "House on the Hill" because of its imposing presence over what was then a much smaller town. Over the years, it has been modernised and used as factory offices.

Lilly communications manager Nick Francis said: "We have great affection for the white building, which was an important part of our operations in the UK. For many people, it is the symbol of Lilly in the town.

"We are aware that some members of the community, especially those with family links to the site, hold the building in great affection too.

"It is hoped that the Lemon Land scheme will retain the local landmark. However, the decision now rests with the company and the appropriate local planning authorities."