Claire:
Further to Jim's comments. Some 1960's buildings are listed, but not too
many. I think the business about design awards is a bit of a red herring, as
many prize winning buildings are subsequently altered listed or demolished
depending upon circumstances. The thing to do is to phone your local
authority planning department and ask if the building is listed. If so the
planners would be happy to discuss the implications of any changes, and may
be willing to make a pre submission site visit. Getting the original
Architect involved is no guarantee that the changes would be acceptable to
anyone. Listing really does not mean that the building is set in aspic. It is
perfectly possible to carry out alterations to a 1960's building or any
listed building provided it is sensitively done.
It does seem unlikely that a 1960's sports centre would be listed in which
case I couldn't see too many problems. I would speak to the planners before
you speak to anyone else. They are aware of access issues in historic building
s and there is some published guidance. If the building is listed or thought
to be of merit you could contact the 20th Century Society (the amenity
society concerned with buildings built after 1930) they will understand your
dilemma and give free advice.
Tim Richardson
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