Top 10 ugliest buildings in the UK and architectural eyesores including MI6 building & Scottish Parliament

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London has three buildings included in the list of the UK’s top ten ugliest buildings and architectural eyesores.

The UK is world renowned for its breathtaking architecture, both historic and modern, from London’s brutalist Barbican Complex to Brighton’s multi-cultural Royal Pavilion building. However, some buildings can be an absolute eyesore and drive away tourists and locals alike.

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Buildword is set on highlighting the structures to stay away from in the UK with its list of the ugliest buildings in the country. From Scotland’s disgraceful Parliament to Leeds’ clunky Bridgewater Place, the building material supplier has ranked the most criticised buildings according to Twitter.

Using a sentiment analysis tool called HuggingFace, the team analysed the percentage of tweets that were negative about each building’s design. From this they were able to compile their lists - one featuring the worst building from around the world along with a top ten on the UK’s ugliest constructions.

So next time you’re visiting a city and happen to stumble upon one of these buildings, don’t look up! Here’s Buildword’s list of the top ten eyesore buildings in the UK.

The top ten ugliest and eyesore buildings in the UK

1. Scottish Parliament Building

Location: Edinburgh

Total: 42.07%

 Scottish Parliament Building Scottish Parliament Building
Scottish Parliament Building | cornfield - stock.adobe.com

2. Newport Station

Location: Newport

Total: 25.73%

3. Preston Train Station 

Location: Preston

Total: 20.24%

4. Royal Liverpool Hospital 

Location: Liverpool

Total: 14.50%

5. MI6 Building

Location: London

Total: 14.11%

[L-R] The MI6 Building, Balfron Tower and One Hyde Park maybe historic landmarks in London, but research has shown social media users consider them ‘eyesores’ (Credit: Getty Images)[L-R] The MI6 Building, Balfron Tower and One Hyde Park maybe historic landmarks in London, but research has shown social media users consider them ‘eyesores’ (Credit: Getty Images)
[L-R] The MI6 Building, Balfron Tower and One Hyde Park maybe historic landmarks in London, but research has shown social media users consider them ‘eyesores’ (Credit: Getty Images) | Getty Images

6. One Hyde Park

Location: London

Total: 13.15%

7. Bridgewater Place 

Location: Leeds

Total: 12.14%

8. Redcar Beacon

Location: Redcar

Total: 11.94%

9. Balfron Tower 

Location: London

Total: 10.87%

10. Shankly Tower 

Location: Liverpool

Total: 10.80%

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