These are some of the UK’s ugliest buildings in living memory that have been demolished or await the wrecking ball.
While some notable former landmarks are much mourned, few tears were shed when these buildings were torn down or when their demolition was announced.
Several of them were voted as being among the nation’s ugliest buildings, with one memorably described as the ‘mouth of hell’ and another likened to a ‘mildewed lump of elephant droppings’.
They include an old police station, a shopping centre, a nightclub, and several former government buildings.
Most were built during the 60s or 70s, though one was completed as recently as the noughties.
Some were even hailed as architectural gems before public opinion turned against them.
Of course, all had their admirers, albeit usually very much in the minority and never enough to save them from oblivion.
Do you think any of these buildings should have been spared, and what do you believe is the ugliest building still standing where you live? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected] with your thoughts.
5. Gallowgate Towers
The Bluevale and Whitevale flats in Glasgow's East End were widely known as the Gallowgate Towers. The twin 31-storey blocks, pictured here under construction in 1967, were completed the following year and demolished in 2016, to the relief of many critics. | Getty Images Photo: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive
6. Fanum House
This is one 'ugly' landmark which remained standing at the time of writing but is set to come down soon. Approval was granted in 2024 for the 60s tower block on Great Victoria Street, branded Belfast's 'ugliest building', to be demolished and replaced with student housing. | Google Photo: Google
7. Norwich Union building
The Norwich Union building, on City Square, was voted the ugliest building in Leeds. The eyesore block was completed in 1967 and demolished in 1995. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Commercial Union House
This little-loved eight-storey office block on Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, was completed in 1971. After falling into disuse, it gained a new lease of life as a home for artists and charities, before being demolished in 2022. | Newcastle Libraries Photo: Newcastle Libraries