A FORMER workshop which became the base for The Sex Pistols has been given special heritage status.

The outbuilding at No.6 Denmark Street, the road full of music shops in St Giles known as Tin Pan Alley, was used by the pioneering punk group after it was leased by their manager Malcolm McClaren between 1975 and 1978.

This week, Historic England – the new name for the national conservation body English Heritage – upgraded it to a grade II* site, making it harder for any future developer to demolish or adapt the property. 

The band recorded songs downstairs, while bass player Glen Matlock and guitarist Steve Jones lived upstairs. It recently emerged that, by chance, Mr Matlock’s grandmother was also born in the main building, which is why the bassist was among those who had urged Historic England to protect the house. Graffiti by John Lydon – frontman Johnny Rotten – adorns the walls of the outhouse.

Emily Gee, head of designation at Historic England, said: “Cultural phenomena can be difficult to capture in the historic environment, yet here we have an imprint of one of the country’s most famous bands. These houses chart the history of Soho, and we’re delighted that they’re being given such important status.”

“Don’t Bin Tin Pan Alley” campaigners, headed by Henry Scott-Irvine, have written an open letter to Camden Council’s planning officers urging them to turn the building into a museum of musical history. Signed by more than 30,000 people, the change.org campaign likens 6 Denmark Street to the former home of Jimi Hendrix in Brook Street, Westminster, which is now a “huge tourist attraction”. 

Mr Scott-Irvine said the listing decision showed the buildings had “wide appeal and interest globally”.

He added: “It is the only moniker of punk rock’s beginnings in Denmark Street left.”

Denmark Street’s rich musical heritage has links to the Rolling Stones, who recorded their first album at No.4, David Bowie’s early career revolved heavily around the area and it is rumoured he camped in an old ambulance there. It is also where Elton John wrote Your Song.

Richard Metcalfe, a consultant at Consolida­ted Developments who own the buildings, said: “St Giles Circus is set to continue as an internationally recognised destination for music, culture and creativity, set in the heart of London. We will continue to deliver a diverse scheme that showcases leading international culture in an iconic setting known for its music and heritage. Having worked alongside the Mayor’s Music Venues Taskforce and Camden Council, we are looking to rejuvenate Tin Pan Alley and revitalise this music street.”

The government’s heritage minister, David Evennett, said: “These 17th-century townhouses not only exhibit well-preserved architectural detail but helped nurture Soho’s influence on the global music industry during the 1960s and 1970s. As we celebrate 40 years of punk, I’m delighted to be granting further protection to these buildings which acted as a home and studio to the Sex Pistols."