Nine historic sites in London's East End have been awarded Grade II-listed status by culture minister Barbara Follett in a bid to recognise the area's heritage ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

English Heritage advised Follett on the designation of the sites, which include the former Poplar Town Hall, credited as being a significant building in the development of the Labour Party, and the former Bow Police Station and Stables. Tredegar House on Bow Road; the former New People's Palace, the engineer's residence to Albion Brewery and Albert Stern House, formerly Beth Holim, on Mile End Road; the tomb of Joseph Dixon and the male WCs outside St Mary's Church in Bromley by Bow; and six cast-iron bollards on Kit Kat Terrace have also been listed.

Hannah Parham, a heritage protection advisor on English Heritage's London team, said: "These buildings in London's East End are redolent of a rich social history but are often little known, or even overlooked, by Londoners and tourists. "Yet, as well as representing the fascinating changes in the area prior to the Second World War, they capture the wider progress of twentieth century Britain.

"Such buildings not only showcase the diversity and complexity of London and Londoners, but have already proved to be a lasting legacy to the capital. The city’s outstanding heritage was critical in securing the bid and it should continue to play a major role in the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympics Games." Tower Hamlets council leader, Luftur Rahman, added: "If these buildings could talk, they would tell a fascinating story of people from all walks of life, and backgrounds, living and working together throughout the borough's rich and diverse history.

"We have plenty of attractions to show people visiting this part of East London in the run up to the Olympics - and this will add to the treasure trove already awaiting visitors."