A new multi-million pound transport hub has officially opened in Portsmouth.

The Hard Interchange was formally unveiled by Transport Minister Jesse Norman on Thursday, 15 March.

Designed by architects AHR, the facility provides a new gateway to the city as well as a modern facility for the community, delivering access to bus, train, boat and taxi services. The concourse uses the latest digital technology and information screens to relay arrivals and departure times, as well as advice for commuters and tourists.

Located between the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, the facility is one of the first projects in the UK to use the sleek aerofoil profile of die cast aluminium through a new architectural mullion system for the interchange's façade.

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AHR stated: "The design solution overcame challenges resulting from the development's location upon a concrete structure from the 1970s that projects out into Portsmouth Harbour. With this existing deck undergoing extensive repairs, AHR brought structural and landscape disciplines together by modelling the interchange within a 3D environment, preserving the architectural vision for the public realm and building concept whilst resolving the site constraints."

Michael Walters, AHR's London Managing Director, said: "The new interchange is an inspiring statement for the people of Portsmouth and a welcoming entryway into the city for those visiting or travelling through.

"The area has been significantly improved to aid the safety of both the visitors and local community, whilst maximising accessibility and the potential of the site to provide the full range of amenities that should be expected of a modern transport hub."

(LM)