India Buildings, which includes Liverpool’s last and greatest shopping arcade, has been upgraded by English Heritage to Grade II* listing after fears it would be altered.

The Twentieth Century Society submitted India Buildings, Water Street, for upgrading from Grade II status to protect its many original and high quality features.

Gaining Grade II*-listed status from English Heritage puts the building it in a select group of the country’s very best historic architecture.

The India Buildings office complex, containing the marble-clad, tunnel-vaulted Holt’s Arcade, was designed by the renowned Liverpool architect Herbert Rowse and built in 1924-32. It was commissioned by Alfred Holt Co, owner of Blue Funnel Line, as its headquarters and after war damage was rebuilt in 1953 supervised by Herbert Rowse.

Clare Price, Twentieth Century Society conservation adviser, said: “It’s fantastic to see the special historic interest of this exceptional survivor recognised and celebrated.

“We hope this upgrade will ensure any future alterations are closely scrutinised and every effort made to maintain the splendour and integrity of this wonderful building.”

The Twentieth Century Society submitted India Buildings for listing at Grade II* after fears that inappropriate alterations could threaten some of its historic features.