The Brooks Development - Trust Annual Report 1972
We are very pleased to see that the Winchester City Council has been commended for the Brooks Development I and II, East Street and Lawn Street, by the Civic Trust Awards Scheme. The commendation states "an urban quality and a commendable respect for the architectural traditions of Winchester are characteristics of this scheme. It is equally happy as a complement to the grass areas beside the stream and when seen from the street frontage. The height, colour and grouping of the buildings all contribute to the scheme's success. The architects have taken excellent advantage of the stream which was previously inaccessible to the public. The restrained treatment of the embankment is exemplary, as is the detailing of all the external works."
Some reservations however can be expressed about the aspect of the group from Union Street. The heavy traffic which will be increased still more with the progress of the Winchester Traffic Plan, has necessitated the building of a high wall along the northern side of the group, to reduce the effect of noise and petrol fumes. This spoils the appearance of the buildings and the introduction of incidents to reduce the monotony seems somewhat too timid.
The Brooks development is commended also in the booklet issued by the Planning Department of the Hampshire County Council entitled "Better Design". In case the Preservation Trust gives the impression of only being concerned with the past, let it be emphasised that we welcome worthwhile additions to the City and only regret that new developments are not all of this high standard, shown in the Brooks Development, the W.I. extension of their headquarters, the factory conversion for Hampshire County Council Central Purchasing Department at Bar End and the Peterhouse Presbytery.
Other examples noted in the booklet have already been applauded in previous reports, namely the Wharf Mill conversion into flats, the restoration of the Anglia Building Society and the National Westminster Bank in the High Street.