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The UK Government has listed Abbey Road Studios at Grade II, on the advice of English Heritage. The move follows reports that Abbey Road owners EMI were planning to sell the studios.

Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, said:

“Music – of whichever genre – is the thread that follows us through all our lives and Abbey Road Studios have produced some of the very best music in the world. It’s a testament to both the importance of music in people’s lives as well as the passion this kind of issue stirs up, that so much interest has been generated by the perceived threat to the future of Abbey Road.

“Whether your tastes are for classical, hard rock or pop music, one of your favourites is more than likely to have recorded at Abbey Road. My favourite song of all time, “If I fell” by The Beatles, was recorded there in 1964, and to have played a part in preserving this world-famous venue is as exciting for me as hearing that song for the first time. Well, almost!”

Abbey Road is most famous for being where most of The Beatles’ albums and singles were recorded between 1962 and 1970. It was therefore no surprise that Paul McCartney was among those calling for the building to be saved when the recent speculation over its future arose. Andrew Lloyd Webber also spoke out and suggested himself as a potential buyer.

The new listing status will mean that, while changes to the interior are not prohibited, any proposed alterations must respect the character of the site.

Source: Department for Culture, Media and Sport