A BID to save WHSmith’s Swindon headquarters from demolition by making it a listed building has faced heavy criticism

The Twentieth Century Society suggested the idea following the submission of plans to knock down the Greenbridge site and build 228 homes.

The society argued that the 1960s building was of historic importance because staff there helped create the ISBN system and it was of architectural interest because of its arched roof.

But some called the structure an eyesore that did not deserve protection.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “I am at a loss to understand why anyone would seek for the WHSmith building to be listed – aesthetically, it offers nothing to our town.

“My focus is on assisting WHSmith as a major local employer as they redevelop their wider site to put them in the best position to navigate these unprecedented challenging economic times.

Coun Dale Heenan said: “Sorry but why would you do this? It’s awful, 1960s, and would undermine an attempt to regenerate this warehouse office area.

“Better to build in-keeping with the area, not convert into flats. Too many times people do this without thinking of the consequences.”

Some Adver readers suggested turning the building into a second hospital while others highlighted other historic buildings that they felt deserved more attention.

Bob Leighfield said: “Why would anybody want to save that graceless 60s monstrosity?”

Richard Bergman said: “It’s a standard post-war office block. Besides, I’m not sure Swindon needs yet another unused building to remain standing and derelict for years to come.”

Sophie Boyce said: “It’s a hideous building. It’s one of the few places in town where knocking it down and building flats would be an improvement.”

James Lever said: “It’s an eyesore. This is Swindon’s problem, we need to move forward with good design and innovative ideas. Not a 1960 building that is an eyesore no firm would want and spend a fortune to take on and use.”

Theresa Smith said: “It’s hardly a thing of beauty- what about the Mechanics and Locarno buildings? Surely they’re priority.”

Andrew Little supported the suggestion: “Good idea, if it stops greedy developers getting their hands on it. We’re going to be saturated with all these housing developments and no new hospital in the offing.”