Mixed views over design award nomination for Portsmouth BAR building

The huge Land Rover BAR base at the Camber in Old Portsmouth is shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects South 2016 award.

BAR’s nomination comes despite concerns over the size and design of the building, which was built in time for the America’s Cup World Series last summer. Residents are still divided.

Roger Butler, assistant manager at the nearby Bridge Tavern pub, said:‘From an architectural point of view, the building is impressive and the short time they used to build it is even more impressive.

‘However, I think it is too futurist for Portsmouth.

‘It doesn’t really match the style, which is an old town.’

Lesley Anne Warren, owner of Broad Street 35, a nearby bed-and-breakfast hotel, said: ‘I’m 
not happy about the building at all.

‘It could be considered a beautiful building but it just doesn’t suit this area.’

But Tory planning boss Luke Stubbs said: ‘It is an excellent piece of high-quality design which adds value.

‘The area is a mixture of old and new and this nomination is a great recognition for such a unique building.’

It is competing against 63 buildings selected in the region and 11 others in Hampshire, including the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, at the University of Portsmouth and Boathouse 4, at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Architects will visit the building this month.

The winner will be announced at an awards evening on April 28.