‘This is fantastic news!’: Thousands cheer as Wolverhampton University School of Art building is granted Grade II-listing

Hundreds of art lovers and former students have taken to social media to show their joy over a potential lifeline for the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Art building.

Also known as the MK Building, the brutalist construct has dominated the Wolverhampton skyline for more than half a century.

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However, its future was left unsure when the university announced plans for its intended demolition as part of its plans to ‘streamline’ its estates. 

Now, hundreds of people have rushed to social media to show their support for a new Grade II-listed status that was handed to the building on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England.

The listing spells a possible lifeline for the historic structure, recognising the building’s historical and architectural significance, and noting the ‘special interest’ the construct offers for the region.

Facebook user, Lynn Stokes, said: “Wonderful news!

“It’s a fabulous building and such an important landmark for the city.”

The listing was granted following the launch of a change.org petition calling for the saving of the building, which in five days since starting gained more than 3,000 signatures, and as of December 19, 2025, has almost 7,000.

Rob Clayton said: “Brilliant news! So happy.

“It means so much to me. Wolves wouldn’t be the same if it went. It is an amazing Bespoke Arts building.”

Another Facebook user, Peter Doubleday, said: “That’s great! I did my degree here from 1984 to 1987. 

“You could watch half a football match on the top floor on Saturday afternoon, and the library was a lovely space.”

In the listing, Historic England noted the building’s role in the ‘first tranche’ of art colleges accredited to provide the National Diploma of Art and Design following postwar reforms, and its close association with the Blk Art Group, and the First Nation Black Art Convention, giving rise to the British black art movement.

Facebook user, Stephen Bell, said: “Thank God for some sanity. Those who have the powers to lead this City have destroyed quite enough of its built heritage. 

“I spent my foundation year in art and design here. It’s a great building and a beautiful example of brutalist architecture (with a friendly touch) at its finest. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!”