West Downs Campus, University of Winchester

The West Downs Centre at the University of Winchester is a £40 million landmark development, serving as a hub for the university’s Digital Technologies, Business, and Management programmes.

Fully operational in the 2021/2022 academic year, the building combines teaching, learning, social, and cultural spaces within a single architecturally striking facility.

The design emphasises individual and collective wellbeing, reflecting the university’s commitment to mental health, sustainability, and long-term social value.

The project achieved recognition as the first UK university building to meet the WELL Building Standard, which evaluates how buildings support human health and wellbeing.

A notable element of the project is the installation of 4,500 square metres of Broadrib carpet tiles by local contractor Smith Brothers Marine. Broadrib was chosen for its sustainability, performance, and acoustic benefits, holding a BREEAM A+ rating and providing up to 20dB impact noise reduction, critical in a building designed to promote calm, focus, and positive mental wellbeing in learning and social environments.

Overall, the West Downs Centre sets a new benchmark for sustainable, health-focused, and socially valuable higher education buildings in the UK.