(Getty Images)

Amidst the outcry over the discounted rumor of EMI’s possible sale of Abbey Road Studios, the British Culture Minister declared on Tuesday that the North London recording studios is officially a historic landmark.

British Culture Minister Margaret Hodge declared the iconic venue a Grade II listed building – the second-highest category – on the advice of national preservation body English Heritage. In a statement, she said Abbey Road was granted the Grade II designation because of the “the historic merit of the studios” and because of its “huge cultural importance.”

EMI explained on Sunday that it was not looking to sell the famed studio and was only seeking help in revitalizing it. The future of the studio has become a big concern for many people, however, including former Beatle Paul McCartney, who publicly called for something to be done.

Minister Hodge explained that the site, where most of the Beatles recordings and monumental albums from Pink Floyd and Radiohead were made, is a site worth preserving.

“It’s a testament to both the importance of music in people’s lives as well as the passion this kind of issue stirs up, that so much interest has been generated by the perceived threat to the future of Abbey Road,” Hodge said.

According to Yahoo! News, the new status means that although changes to the studio’s interior can be made, any proposed alterations must respect the character and preservation of the site.