(Bloomberg) — Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded most of their songs, were listed as protected buildings by English Heritage, noting the site’s contribution to music and culture.

“Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interests of the building is carefully considered before any alterations, either outside or inside, are agreed,” according to English Heritage’s Web site. English Heritage, which also managements monuments including Stonehenge, is a public body with legal powers to protect the historic environment.

The listing comes days after public outcry over media reports that owner EMI Group Plc would sell the site to cut debt. Fans took to Facebook and Twitter pages of a U.K. charity urging it to save the studios. EMI later said on Feb. 21 it would not sell Abbey Road and would instead seek investors.

EMI said in a statement today it welcomed the decision by English Heritage to list the studios. “It recognizes the unique cultural contribution that, together with the artists recording there, Abbey Road has made and continues to make.”

English Heritage first recommended in 2003 that Abbey Road should be protected as the world’s earliest purpose-built recording studios.

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