The National Library Building at Stamford Road

The National Library Building at Stamford Road generated much controversy when it opened in 1960 due to its red-brick exterior, which was deemed then to be aesthetically unrefined. Still, the building gradually endeared itself to regular visitors to the library and the decision to demolish the structure to make way for an underpass generated much public debate. Despite calls by conservation groups to preserve the building, it was eventually demolished in 2005.