ONE of Swindon's most distinctive buildings could be listed to prevent it being pulled down for redevelopment.

Norman Foster's award-winning Renault building in Shaw, West Swindon, was built in 1983 and quickly became one of the town's most instantly recognisable landmarks.

Now referred to as the Spectrum Building, the yellow-framed structure has stood idle since the French car manufacturer moved its parts and distribution operation to the East Midlands.

Current owner, London-based Green Property, has been attempting to sell the building by advertising in the property press, but so far no firm offers have been forthcoming.

Now the Twentieth Century Society, which exists to safeguard the heritage of architecture and design in Britain, is lobbying culture secretary Tessa Jowell to grant the building Grade II* status after receiving an anonymous tip it was being earmarked for demolition.

And if it were granted listed status, severe restrictions would hamper its redevelopment.

But Swindon Council planning officer Andy Brown said: "Nothing has been formally submitted to the council, but I suspect the owner is looking to do something with it. It's a landmark building and I think the people of Swindon would feel sad if it was removed."

The Renault Centre, which closed in November 2001, is acclaimed as a benchmark in the post-war development of Swindon.

The building is recognised the world over as an architectural icon and has won a clutch of awards, even though some locals have refereed to it as a 'heap of Meccano'.

Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the distribution centre opened amid a fanfare of pomp and ceremony in 1983, but when Renault bought a £2.5 million stake in Japanese car manufacturer Nissan in 1999, the French company decided to close the Swindon operation and move its activities to Nissan's headquarters in the Midlands. The move resulted in 300 job losses.

There are currently around 1,000 listed buildings in Swindon 14 Grade I and 27 Grade II*.

Robert Jenkins, of Green Property, said he was actively seeking a replacement for Renault, but the fact the building currently stands empty is more to do with the current economic downturn than a lack of interest.

He said: "Listing would frustrate our redevelopment aims and restrict our options, but it's out of my hands really.

"We have spent more than £1 million refurbishing the building, but we don't have anyone occupying it at the moment. We do have interest, but it's at an embryonic stage."

Mr Jenkins said Green Property already had three 'historic' applications lodged with Swindon Council to convert the building to smaller warehouses, a health and fitness suite and change of use to a car showroom suitable for a small dealership.