Bristol's Broadmead Baptist Church among landmarks newly listed by Historic England

Broadmead Baptist Church Credit: PA

A brutalist church is among the places newly added to the National Heritage List for England.

Broadmead Baptist Church, in the heart of the Broadmead shopping centre in Bristol, makes the list as a "striking example of post-war church architecture".

Built between 1967 and 1969 to the design of architect Ronald H Sims, it is known locally as the "church above the shops," with retail on the ground floor providing a source of income for the church facilities above.

The church’s brutalist exterior has white V-shaped beam ends symbolising doves in flight.

"Walking up the stairs from the muted lobby to the bright upper floors represents the spiritual ascent from darkness into light," the spokesman for Historic England said.

Some 256 locations have been added to the list this year, including 17 "remarkable and unusual" structures such as an electricity junction in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, only three years after electricity first arrived in the town.

The listed places have been granted protection status, meaning any changes that might affect their historical interest in the future will have to be authorised through the planning system.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "From rare 17th-century chest tombs to a post-war church above the shops to a revolutionary former maternity ward benefiting new mothers, these remarkable places granted protection in 2024 show the diversity of England’s heritage.

"This festive season, we invite you to explore the historic places on your doorstep, add your stories and photos to the Missing Pieces Project and help us to celebrate what makes these places so special".

Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "Historic England’s annual listing roundup is a celebration of 12 months of hard work to protect and preserve some truly unique buildings and places that have helped shape our cultural history.

"Like all ‘best of’ year lists worth reading, I implore you to pore over these 17 wonderful places and go and experience some of them for yourself in the new year".