THE battle to try and get one of Durham's most controversial concrete building listed has taken a step forward following an announcement that evidence will be be reviewed.

The campaign to get Dunelm House, Durham University's students' union has been gaining momentum following the decision of Secretary of State for Culture Karen Bradley not to grant listed status to the controversial building.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Culture has now confirmed that the Secretary of State is reviewing the evidence on whether it should be listed or not.

In December she declined to grant the status, despite a recommendation by English Heritage that it should be given and said she was minded to approve an application by the university for a certificate of immunity from listing.

The Twentieth Century Society launched an appeal against the decision in January.

The award winning 1960s building in New Elvet is under threat of demolition following Durham University’s announcement that it wants to replace it with a new performance space.

The Save Dunelm House posted on social media that the news was "fantastic".

James Perry, who has been involved in the campaign added: "It's very much bubbling away. There has been a lot of pressure and a lot of people writing to the vice-chancellor in the background."

Jane Robinson, chief operating officer for Durham University, said: “No final decision has been made regarding the future use of Dunelm House.

“The proposals for the building or site will of course, be subject to the usual statutory consents and consultation which will provide further opportunity for people’s views to be considered.”

The university, which wants to move the students' union to another location, says it would cost £14.7million to repair the building and redesign it to accommodate other uses.

Instead, it wants to knock it down and hold an international architectural competition to design a replacement performance space.

Opponents say Dunelm House is a good example of Brutalist architecture and should be seen in connection to nearby Kingsgate Bridge, which was designed by Ove Arup and is Grade I listed.

The Twentieth Century Society is hosting a conference dedicated to discussing Brutalist architecture in Durham in October, which will focus on Dunelm House.

It is free and is being held in Elvet Riverside, New Elvet, on October 21. Registration is required. Email cvac@durham.ac.uk for further details.