We will be raising the quality of building design for the University and the city by being sensitive to the environment and by setting a high benchmark for future developments
– Professor Graham Galbraith, University of Portsmouth vice chancellor

British architecture practice FaulknerBrowns have been selected to design a £50m (US$64m, €54.3m) indoor sports centre for the University of Portsmouth.

The building, to be situated on the University's campus in Ravelin Park, will feature an eight-lane swimming pool, a fitness suite, a sports hall, a climbing wall and squash courts, in addition to spaces for exhibitions and social and community events.

While further design details have not been revealed at this stage, the University said that the architects have been given “challenging sustainability targets, including minimising the building’s carbon footprint” and are tasked with future-proofing the building “for years to come.”

Michael Hall, partner at FaulknerBrowns, claimed the centre will be a “world class facility which will provide the opportunity for both students and the community to participate in sport at all levels.”

“The design process will be influenced by the principles of flexibility and sustainability to maximise the potential to promote wellbeing throughout the campus, as well as developing the University’s performance athletes,” he said.

The University’s vice chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith, added: “Our sports facilities have a critical role to play in the wellbeing, academic standing and quality of lifestyle for students and staff alike. This also offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community, which is why it is our intention to make a number of our new facilities, such as the swimming pool, open to schools and community groups.

“This is the first building of the University’s estate master plan, which will see significant investment within the city over the next ten years. In selecting FaulknerBrowns Architects we will be raising the quality of building design for the University and the city by being sensitive to the environment in which it will sit and by setting a high benchmark for future developments.”

The University will submit the planning application early next year and construction is expected to begin later in 2018. The expected completion date is Q3 2020.

FaulknerBrowns have worked on some of the UK’s most acclaimed sports and leisure facilities, including Derby Sports Park, Aberdeen Aquatics Centre, the White Water Centre at Lee Valley, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and ‘Beacon of Light’ sport and wellness facility in Sunderland.

The firm, who won Sports and Leisure Architect of the Year’ at the 2017 Architect of the Year Awards, are currently developing a “high octane” waterpark for the city of Coventry, a riverside regeneration project in Durham and a masterplan for Queen’s Parade in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

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