The list entry says the blocks were economically built but include ornate
internal foyers finished in polished marble.

The tower blocks were built between 1959 and 1967 to house the Ministry of
Health.

Patience Trevor, a senior designation adviser for English Heritage, told The
Times: “It is a culmination of all Goldfinger espoused in the design of
commercial buildings: efficiently proportioned and offering the maximum
floor space, turning a large office floor space into something visually
acceptable.”

Writer Ian Fleming is said to have named Goldfinger after the architect
because he wanted revenge for him building what he considered an ugly block
of flat roofed houses in Hampstead. He failed to stop him, and Goldfinger
threatened to sue over his name being used for the villain. Mr Fleming was
said to be so annoyed he had suggested changing the name to ‘Goldprick’ and
the architect backed down.

Metro Central Heights joins a list of other sites across the country which
also achieved a Grade II listing – despite attracting criticism.

Trellick Tower in West London, also designed by Mr Goldfinger, was listed in
1998. The building, which stands over Portobello Market gained a reputation
for attracting crime and antisocial behaviour after it was built in 1972.

And last year Esso station in Leicestershire also gained the listing for its
‘parasol’ canopies over the forecourt designed by Eliot Noyes and used
across the world. They are now thought to be the only surviving example in
Britain.