'Give Lloyd's building Grade I listing'

A campaign has begun to award the City's landmark Lloyd's building Grade I-listed status.

The 20th Century Society, which campaigns for the preservation of modern architecture, believes the Modernist block, designed by Lord Rogers, needs protection.

It is understood Lloyd's is planning alterations to the interior of the steel and glass building in Lime Street.

The society is so concerned that it has called on English Heritage to list the building urgently.

In a letter to English Heritage, seen by Architects' Journal, the society warns the "historic integrity" of the building is in jeopardy.

It is understood that key concerns centre on plans to replace rosewood panelling in upper-floor offices and the creation of a new entrance to allow disabled access.

There are 5,000 Grade I-listed buildings in Britain, only a handful of which - including the Royal Festival Hall - are post-Second World War.

Lord Rogers declined to comment but a source close to him said he "felt the timber ambience was critical and should not be replaced".

Lloyd's said it "would be inappropriate to comment".