These buildings have been named as some of Portsmouth's best

ALL that is great about architecture in Portsmouth was celebrated at an awards evening.

The Portsmouth Society 2018 design awards saw a host of exceptional buildings receive recognition for their incredible designs at the Royal Maritime Club on Wednesday.

The evening '“ attended by more than 60 people including residents and architects '“ was an overwhelming success as people marvelled at the huge array of buildings that were on display.

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Blue plaques and commendation certificates were presented by the deputy lord mayor, Councillor David Fuller, to businesses in a variety of categories.

The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth's re-vamped transport hub, opened to the public in May last year.The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth's re-vamped transport hub, opened to the public in May last year.
The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth's re-vamped transport hub, opened to the public in May last year.

Two buildings scooped awards in the best new building award this year '“ including the city's new transport hub, the Hard Interchange.

Boasting a soaring roof shelter for waiting passengers it comes equipped with transparent walls. Designed by AHR Group and built by Osborne it was regarded as a worthy winner. 

Canoe Lake Leisure's tennis pavilion, designed by Wendy Perring of PAD Studio, Southsea, also won a best new building award. Featuring a delicate gull wing roof and pale walls in Danish brick linked to a first floor cafe terrace it has a perfect view to watch tennis. Construction was managed by Rice Projects.

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Portsmouth's University Technical College was also recognised in the new build category thanks to its exhilarating triangular atrium, with exciting breakout spaces for students to congregate, surrounded by engineering workshops and science laboratories for teaching engineering and design skills.

Meanwhile, Europa House, a tall office block just back from the Hard in Portsea, formerly the offices of Pall Europe Ltd, won the best reuse award.

The bringing of South Parade Pier back to life by Tommy Ware senior and junior received a well-earned commendation in the best restoration category.

David Baynes, design award organiser, said: '˜The awards mean a lot to people '“ especially architects and residents. There are more prestigious buildings in our city than we think, with people often critical. It shows how many good buildings we have.'