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.
9. The Centre Cumbernauld
This is another blot on the landscape that is still standing for now. The 1960s complex, which originally housed shops, an ice rink, bowling alley, hotel, library and flats, was once regarded as a 'milestone in urban design'. But it's now considered an eyesore, which was once called the UK's most-hated building, and demolition is scheduled to begin in 2027. | National World Photo: Alan Murray
10. Imax building
This much-detested cinema building on Bournemouth's seafront didn't last long. The four-storey glass landmark only opened in March 2002 and was criticised for blocking sea views. In 2005, it was voted one of the UK's most-hated buildings, on the Channel 4 show Demolition. It was flattened in 2013, with a new outdoor entertainment space created in its place. | Google Photo: Google
11. Greyfriars bus station
This 1970s bus station in Northampton town centre was famously dubbed the 'mouth of hell' by the Channel 4 presenter Kevin McCloud. It was nominated by the public as one of the country's most-hated buildings. Having long overstayed its welcome, it was eventually demolished using explosives in 2015. | Google Photo: Google
12. La Ronde
La Ronde nightclub, also known as Eleanor Rigby's, and the neighbouring Forum House, in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, were demolished in 2006. The distinctive circular nightclub was built in 1968 and had its admirers, but others regarded it as a hideous abomination of a building. | Getty Images Photo: Central Press/Hulton Archive