The zebra crossing on Abbey Road is already etched into rock and roll history after being made famous by The Beatles, but now it has also been listed as a national heritage site.

Following advice from English Heritage, the government has announced the world-famous crossing has become the first of its kind ever to be listed Grade II as a reflection of its cultural and historical importance.

Listing is traditionally a way of saying that a building is special and that every care should be afforded to decisions affecting its future. As a result of this decision, the pedestrian crossing made famous by the much-recreated iconic image of John, Paul, George and Ringo walking across it will be afforded the same level of protection.

John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, said: "This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a ten minute photo-shoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage. And as such it merits the extra protection that Grade II listing provides.

"It’s a fantastic testimony to the international fame of The Beatles that - more than 40 years on - this crossing continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, trying to mimic their iconic Abbey Road album cover."

Paul McCartney said: "It's been a great year for me and a great year for The Beatles and hearing that the Abbey Road crossing is to be preserved is the icing on the cake."

In February of this year Abbey Road Studios were also recognised by Grade II listing on the advice of English Heritage.

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive, English Heritage, said:  “Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road Studios. English Heritage has long recognised the cultural importance of Abbey Road – it contains, quite simply, the most famous recording studios in the world which act as a modern day monument to the history of recorded sound and music.

“The listing of the building is a welcome acknowledgement of the contribution the studios have made to our musical heritage, and we hope that in some form, they can continue to play a role in inspiring the musicians of the future.”

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