McKay trading estate, Blackthorne Road, Slough (Grade II)

This was the first independent commission, completed over 1976-78, for the architect John Outram, who is considered to be an important voice in late 20th-century British architecture. The building is characterised by the arches on its facades, divided by brick piers with cast concrete capitals. The three separate parts of the site: the building, forecourt and car parking define the space and represent an urban piazza, and along with the arcading of the façades, underline Outram’s evocation of traditional European squares.

Photo: Steven Baker/Historic England