The 1960s Brutalist building overlooking the citys ring road faces redevelopment as part of the universitys plans for a radical overhaul of its estate.The AJ understands that under the plans, the post-war art school would be demolished and the site redeveloped on the advice of university consultants despite campaigners arguing that it has abundant potential to be retrofitted.But the redevelopment plans could be scuppered if Historic England approves a listing application for the building, which it is currently considering.AdvertisementThe nine-storey tower block, known as the George Wallis building, sits in Wolverhampton city centre, bounded by Stafford Street to the east, North Street to the west and the ring road to the south. Its primary structure consists of reinforced in-situ concrete, with elevations characterised by open-frame, stretched octagonal openings.The building was commissioned by the County Borough of Wolverhampton and designed between 1966 and 1970 by architect Diamond, Redfern & Partners in collaboration with the Staffordshire county architect A Chapman. It was officially opened in 1970 by sculptor Charles Wheeler, a former Wolverhampton University student. Source:Sharonjit SuttonUniversity of Wolverhampton School of Arts protestA Change.org petition rallying against the demolition has already racked up more than 3,500 signatures since it was launched last week (30 January).The campaign describes the building as more than just an art school', insisting it is a landmark and part of Wolverhamptons skyline and heritage.Architectural heritage campaigner the Twentieth Century Society submitted a listing application for the School of Art last year, prompted by its very real and immediate threat of demolition.AdvertisementThe society said the building was in very good condition, externally and internally, insisting its demolition would simply be wasteful, irresponsible and anti-growth.A spokesperson added: Defined by its sculptural concrete exoskeleton, this is an excellent surviving example of a post-war art school that has remained in its original use and survives in very good condition, both externally and internally.It clearly has abundant potential to be sympathetically upgraded or reconfigured to suit whatever plans the university may develop in the years to come.Along with demolishing the art school, the universitys plans for a radical shake-up of its estate include the planned closure of its Telford campus and replacing its city centre sports hall with a new medical school.A Historic England spokesperson said: We are currently in the process of assessing University of Wolverhamptons School of Art for listing.In due course, we will submit our advice to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), who will then make the final decision on the case.