Love it or loathe it, Redbridge Station will be preserved as an “unadulterated” example of 1930s architecture under a new protection order.

The Central Line station, nestled beside the busy Redbridge Roundabout in Eastern Avenue, was one of 16 stations to be granted Grade II listed heritage status by Culture Minister John Penrose last week.

It was recognised for its unique 1930s Art Deco design, including a circular ticket hall and brass fittings by the renowned architect Charles Holden.

Chairman of the Ilford Historical Society, Jef Page, welcomed the move.

He said: “It’s always great to see local buildings listed and preserved, and some exceptional ones recognised with national status.

“Redbridge currently has no Grade I listed buildings, and just a few Grade II, like Valentines Mansion and Newbury Park Station bus shelter.

“Modern and contemporary architecture, however, is problematic and often brutal, and doesn’t settle well on the eye. Public buildings may be functional but often aren’t pleasing.”

Redbridge Station was designed by Mr Holden in the 1930s but the outbreak of the Second World War delayed its opening until 1947.

During the war its shallow underground tunnels were used to make aircraft parts.

As a Grade II listed building, it is now far better protected against redevelopment.

Its listing on the English Heritage website says the station was recommended for protection “for its design, which although modified on its post-war completion, retains recognisable elements of Holden’s celebrated Piccadilly Line stations, and for the unusual design of the concrete booking hall roof”.

Along with Gants Hill and Wanstead stations, it was one of Mr Holden’s last designs for London Underground.