Cutty Sark slated as 'ugliest' building of year after restoration (From News Shopper)

Cutty Sark slated as 'ugliest' building of year after restoration

4:42pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Sarah Trotter

THE NEW look Cutty Sark has been slated as the ugliest building completed in the last year.

The restored Greenwich-based clipper ship – which was first built in 1869 – was awarded the Carbuncle Cup 2012 by website Building Design Online.

Following the derogatory prize, national heritage group The Victorian Society has branded the £50m refit “misguided”.

The ship reopened to visitors in April after substantial repair work following a fire in 2007.

The Victorian Society's new director Chris Costelloe said: “It's a pity that commercial motives were placed above heritage interests.

"The new design has obscured the Cutty Sark's distinctive shape at the quayside. Even the part of the ship we can still see includes an obtrusive lift tower looming over the deck.

He added: “Restoring heritage buildings for the 21st century doesn't have to mean misguided attempts to fit the corporate hospitality market.

"It is sad that such a high profile restoration has now led to the Cutty Sark being awarded the 2012 Carbuncle Cup.”