FOUR buildings in Hampshire have been shortlisted for the 2023 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South Awards.

The Winchester Sport and Leisure Park on Bar End Road, which opened in May 2021, is on the shortlist. The building, which opened in 2021, was designed by LA Architects Ltd with Stride Treglown.

The leisure centre has had its share of critics with many people disliking its box-like design.

Ranging from a yoga centre to a theatre, a total of 16 buildings have been shortlisted overall.

Hampshire Chronicle: Black House Farm (credit: Ståle Erikson)Black House Farm (credit: Ståle Erikson) (Image: Ståle Eriksen)Also shortlisted are Black House Farm, near Hinton Ampner, designed by Robin Lee Architecture )photo, above), Hampshire Water Mill, in Whitchurch, by Kaner Olette Architects and Malcolm Fryer Architects, and Claywood House by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt.

READ MORE: Councillor and customer ‘disgusted’ by leisure centre conditions

RIBA South jury chair Stuart Eatock, who is also managing director at ECE Architecture, said: “The quality of projects in the South Region this year is as high as ever. Be it sensitive conservation or modern intervention, all the projects demonstrate skill, passion and determination, and have resulted in a range of beautiful new buildings and spaces that are truly unique to their environment.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Hampshire Water Mill (credit: Richard Chivers)Hampshire Water Mill (credit: Richard Chivers) (Image: Richard Chivers)A regional jury will assess all shortlisted projects, and the winning projects will be announced later this Spring. 

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Regional award winners are considered for several RIBA Special Awards including the RIBA Sustainability Award and the RIBA Building of the Year.

Regional Award winners will also be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, the results of which will be announced in the Summer.  

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year in the UK will then be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects, and the Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.