THE local university’s newest building development is up for a ‘People’s Choice Award’ in the Solent area.

The West Downs Centre, the University of Winchester's flagship learning and teaching building, is one of seven schemes nominated for the 'People's Choice Award' of the Solent Quality Place Awards 2022.

Voting is now open for the public to cast their votes for their favourite site selected by judges of the Solent Quality Place Awards. The placemaking award, that began in 2010, recognises beautiful and thoughtfully designed developments across the Solent region.

The £50m state-of-the-art building, located on Romsey Road, was designed by award-winning architectural practice Design Engine Architects. The contemporary design of the teaching and learning building includes a drum-shaped 250-seat auditorium, public art gallery, café, food hall, packaging-free shop, library, social learning areas and teaching spaces.

READ MORE: Winchester University new West Downs Centre handed over

The facility opened in September 2020 and follows the university’s environmental drive. Sustainable features, including a combined heat and power plant, heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, a green roof and solar photovoltaic panels, are an important part of the design. Winchester University has registered the West Downs Centre for WELL certification, an international building standard for measuring how a building impacts on its users' health and wellbeing.

Judges of the awards were particularly impressed by how the building addresses the wider context of the city of Winchester and its historic and contemporary public buildings, through the choice of materials and design. The courtyard water garden provides a quieter space, sheltered from the busy road, and brings light into the reception area, library and café.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Gavin Hunter, chief operating officer, University of Winchester, said: "It is a real honour to have been selected out of around 20 schemes across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent region for this placemaking award. 

"We are very proud of the building and especially that, as well as being enjoyed by students and staff for teaching and study, it is also open to members of the local community who come to visit the art gallery, café and Auditorium for events, such as conferences and public lectures. The building is also a landmark on the way into the city which many people pass in their cars or on foot every day. We hope that all those people who enjoy the building will take time to vote. Voting is open until 26 September and we appreciate anyone supporting us."

This year, is the sixth edition of the Solent Quality Place Awards run by Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH), which seeks to highlight placemaking excellence in developments that contribute to improving the economic, social, cultural and environmental life of those who live, work, learn and relax within the Solent region.

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Cllr Sean Woodward, chairman of the partnership for South Hampshire added: "Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent area are wonderful places to live, and this category of the Solent Quality Award is all about letting the people who live and work in these places and spaces choose the best design and place which most inspires them. Good luck to all our worthy finalists."

Voting is open online until September 26 with the winner set to be announced in October. The university building is up against God's House Tower, The Centernary Building and Maggie's Centre in Southampton as well as Eastleigh's North Stoneham Park and Romsey Market Place. For more go to solentqualityplaceawards.org.uk/.