A PART of Teesside’s historic industrial heritages has received Grade II listing by Historic England.

The Dorman Long Tower a modernist architectural tower built between 1955-1956 as part of a state-of-the-art coking plant for steel production in Redcar, was given the status yesterday (Friday, September 10).

Read more: Iconic Dorman Long Tower in Teesside WILL be demolished

On the Historic England website, it states the Dorman Long Tower is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: “Architectural interest: as a recognised and celebrated example of early Brutalist architecture, a fine example of austere design that simply, yet wholeheartedly expresses its function; “A deliberate monumental architectural statement of confidence by the then newly de-nationalised Dorman Long company in the mid-1950s.

“Rare (considered to be nationally unique) surviving structure from the C20 coal, iron and steel industries.

“A design which is above the purely functional which also cleverly combines control-room, storage and fire-fighting functions for a state-of-the-art coking plant.”

The tower has recently been under threat as Redcar and Cleveland Council approved an application for its demolition.

The application was lodged by South Tees Development Corporation, chaired by Ben Houchen, last month to tear down the former coal tower in South Bank, Redcar.

A report by engineers Atkins claims 'ongoing and irreversible' damage to the structure and highlighted costs running into the millions would only extend its life by a few years.

The report claims it could cost up to £9m to secure the structure and keep it maintained.

Redcar Councillor Carl Quartermaine said: “This is excellent news and a strong action by Historic England which comes symbolically at the same time the Cleveland Bridge Group formed in 1877 and who merged with Dorman Long, have gone into administration.

“Sadly and because preservation is hard work, and takes, compassion, time, effort and care, I expect Ben Houchen’s determination will be to continue to erase the region’s industrial heritage identity from sight. I do not believe he will try to find a way to protect and repurpose this magnificent monolith. As with the announced destruction of the Redcar Blast Furnace, our most iconic industrial structure, he will most certainly continue to do all he can to remove this region’s hard graft past from our skyline.

“And what is Jacob Young MP’s commitment to it now? Surely he will be delighted that it has been listed having written such a compelling piece about the structure being so ‘very special’ to him?

“He was after-all spearheading a campaign to save it and even took out a petition - although a year on did he champion those words and signatures? Well no, when the demolition was announced he didn’t fight for it. He has been silent since but I’m hoping it’s because he is busy ‘relaunching’ his campaign now this ‘important reminder of his roots’ has been listed for protection. I won’t hold my breath waiting though.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has been contacted for a comment.