Ryder and Yates office in Killingworth listed Grade II

The Twentieth Century Society is delighted that English Heritage have announced that the Former Ryder and Yates Office in Killingworth has been listed at Grade II. The Society first proposed the offices for listing in 2011.

This building is a rare survivor of a post-war purpose built architects’ office designed by the important regional practice of Ryder and Yates for their own use. This was a hugely influential firm in the North-East and the subject of one of the Twentieth Century Society’s monographs published in 2009. Sadly, many of their buildings have been demolished in recent years. The success of their designs is clear from the fact that this building is exactly as Ryder and Yates left it.  The building has been listed not only for its rarity and connection with this important firm but also because of its intactness and its elegant and strong design characteristics.

Currently vacant and deteriorating in condition, the office building is now under imminent threat of demolition. However, a reprieve is currently being negotiated by the Tyne & Wear Building Property Trust which is hoping to raise the funds to purchase the building. The Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust was created by the Tyne & Wear Authority in 1979 and became independent in 1986.  It operates without any core funding but with the support of the five local authorities in the region. The Tyne & Wear BPT have set up a site to raise a fighting fund to save the building.

The listing of this unique building will help to ensure that a beneficial new use can be found and funds raised to repair the fabric. Please support the TWBPT and spread the word!

Clare Price