Centre Point

Centre Point

The Centre Point Tower is one of central London's best known landmarks. The 37 storey office block is 398 feet high and was designed by Richard Seifert. Although built in 1963-7, it remained completely unlet for many years.

During the 1970s, the building was used to house a homeless hostel, which derived its name from the building: Centrepoint. It is worth noting that Saint Giles is the patron saint of outcasts.

Since July 1980 the building has been the headquarters of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), the UK's leading employers' organisation. The building was listed Grade II in 1995 in recognition of its special character and construction.

It is thought that the St Giles Rookery, one of the biggest disgraces of Victorian London, was situated immediately east of the present Centre Point tower. Many of the slum-dwellers survived by prostitution or petty crime. Drunkenness was rife in St Giles, with one house in four allegedly involved in selling spirits. It is believed that Hogarth set his engraving Gin Lane in the area.

St Giles' unwholesome history has obviously not been forgotten. The large illuminated letters that spell out the tower's name were photographed during December 2000 and make a clear reference to the area's alcoholic past!

© Covent Garden Community Association, March 2001

 

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