While we wait for the delayed decision whether to list Preston’s iconic Bus Station, English Heritage has announced a new London based exhibition called Brutal & Beautiful.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) with English Heritage will host a debate looking at our love/hate relationship with England’s recent architectural past asking what should be saved? What is worth saving? Should buildings such as the Bus Station be protected? The first post-war buildings were listed 25 years ago and appreciation of this era has grown ever since. The debate will ask has listing gone too far?

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Brutal & Beautiful intends to celebrate the best listed buildings from the post-war era. Characterised by experimental bold forms and innovative use of materials the era transformed British towns and cities. While there is increasing recognition of this epoch, questions still remain as to what of it should be kept.

Speakers announced to attend the event are: Angela Brady (RIBA past president), Liz Peace (Chief Executive, British Property Federation), Owen Hatherley (Writer and journalist), Roger Bowdler (Designation Director, English Heritage), Catherine Croft (Director, Twentieth Century Society),

If you want to visit what sounds like a very interesting and relevant exhibition it will be held at Wellington Arch, Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7JZ from 25 September – 24 November 2013 with standard ticket prices £9.

The decision on the Bus Station is expected imminently.