Once reviled by critics for trampling all over the historic character of some of the most sensitive parts of London, the architectural reputation of Richard Seifert is slowly being rehabilitated. This was the man who introduced the high-rise commercial office block to Britain, with his practice responsible for Centrepoint, Tower 42, No 1 Croydon and the Tolworth Tower among many others. 

Although many of his buildings will always attract opprobrium, the high-rises have fared rather better, with three receiving grade II listing. The only buildings from the office of R Seifert and Partners to be listed were all designed by founding partner George Marsh. 

The most famous of these – Centrepoint, by Tottenham Court Road Tube station – was converted into flats in 2018, and Birmingham’s Alpha Tower was recently refurbished. The third in the trio, Space House, has just undergone a major refurbishment.