Designating Fairfield Annexe at the former Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Works, Govan, Glasgow

Closed 21 Apr 2025

Opened 31 Mar 2025

Contact

Designations

0131 668 8914

designations@hes.scot

Feedback updated 4 Jun 2025

We asked

From 31 March to 21 April 2025, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list Fairfield Annexe, which was built in 1956-57 as the Technical Offices of the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co.

Fairfield Annexe was designed by the renowned Glasgow-based firm of Frank Burnet and Boston and was built in a distinctive Modernist style that was popular during the mid 20th century. Its massing, materials and scale compliment the adjoining building, which is listed at category A (LB33356) and was the headquarters of the company. The high level of design quality evident at Fairfield Annexe reflects the company’s ambition to make Fairfield the most modern and technically advanced shipyard and engine works in the UK.

Fairfield Annexe is a rare surviving example of Govan’s shipbuilding industry during the post-war period. Together with the associated Engine Works (ref: LB33357) and headquarters building (both listed category A), it is part of an outstanding architectural and historical group. They represent the core elements of what was an internationally significant shipbuilding yard and make an important contribution to the maritime heritage of Govan and Clydeside.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with the owners of the building and Glasgow City Council as the planning authority. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

You said

We received 15 comments at consultation, all of which supported the listing of the building. No issues were raised that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

We did

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category C, listed building ref: LB52654.  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

Overview

We are proposing to designate the Fairfield Annexe as a listed building at category C.

The Annexe was built in 1956-57 as the Technical Offices of the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., who were once one of the largest and most significant shipbuilding firms in the world. Although the shipyard remains in use, the Annexe has been vacant since 2003.

Fairfield Annexe was designed by the renowned Glasgow-based firm of Frank Burnet and Boston and was built in a distinctive Modernist style that was popular during the mid 20th century. Its stripped-back and streamline design sharply contrasts with the rich and ornate style of the adjoining Victorian building, which is listed at category A (ref: LB33356) and represents one of the finest examples of a shipbuilder’s headquarters anywhere in the UK. Despite the contrasting styles, great care was taken to ensure that the design of the Annexe complemented the earlier building in terms of its materials, scale and massing.

Fairfield Annexe is a rare example of a notable structure that was built for the shipbuilding industry during the post-war period. Its high standard of design reflects the company’s ambition to make Fairfield the most modern and technically advanced shipyard and engine works in the UK. Together with the associated Engine Works (ref: LB33357) and headquarters building (both listed category A), the buildings present a grand frontage to the shipyard on Govan Road. They form an outstanding architectural and historical group, which represents the core elements of what was an internationally significant shipbuilding yard and contributes to the maritime heritage of Govan and Clydeside.

We are now gathering views on our proposal to list this building at category C.

Read more about why we think Fairfield Annexe meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling.

 Photograph of Fairfield Annexe showing stairtower and main entrance  

Main (south) elevation of Fairfield Annexe © HES

How we designate listed buildings

We list buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A dedicated team researches and assesses all designation applications.

Why your views matter

We’d love to know whether you agree with our proposal.

To help you respond to the following survey, please read why we think Fairfield Annexe meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling.

You can tell us if you agree with our proposal by completing the short questionnaire below.

This questionnaire usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Find out what comments we consider and what happens next in our consultation guide or watch our designations video on YouTube.

You can also watch a version of this video in British Sign Language.

 

What happens next

Please note that this consultation is now closed.

We are now considering the comments received at consultation before making a decision on designation. When we have reached a decision, we will publish this on our Portal, and it will also be available to view on Citizen Space.