The Blade is the newest addition to Portsmouth's skyline. Standing at just over 100m, it will be the tallest building in the city, and the 2nd tallest structure after the 170m Spinnaker Tower. The building, being developed by the University of Portsmouth, will contain 598 student bedrooms, as well as a teaching facility for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. The building will have a lecture theatre and catering facilities for use by the local community. The tower stands on Anglesea Road, on the edge of Victoria Park, adjacent to the City Centre.
Opinions on the tower are divided, with English Heritage worrying about its impact on the nearby Guildhall, a Grade II listed structure. Concerns have been voiced about its height, bulk and the casting of shadows, particularly over Victoria Park. However, the building has been designed with this in mind, intended to cast minimal shadow on the park. Portsmouth Society backed the scheme, saying a tall building in this location would be "appropriate and exciting".
The project was approved at the end of April, and preparatory works have now begun.
Renders:
The site currently, taken by me earlier today:
Opinions on the tower are divided, with English Heritage worrying about its impact on the nearby Guildhall, a Grade II listed structure. Concerns have been voiced about its height, bulk and the casting of shadows, particularly over Victoria Park. However, the building has been designed with this in mind, intended to cast minimal shadow on the park. Portsmouth Society backed the scheme, saying a tall building in this location would be "appropriate and exciting".
The project was approved at the end of April, and preparatory works have now begun.
Renders:
The site currently, taken by me earlier today: