I have always been a advocate of
Brutalist architecture, having become interested in its place, within the modern history of
Britain, after watching the film '
Beautiful Thing,' set in
Thamesmead, London, a mecca for modern building techniques and experimental architecture. Despite an outward bleak appearance, the structure and utilitarian purpose of these buildings, were perfect for housing the
baby boomers of post war
Britain. I lived in one of the apartments at
Wyndham Court myself; they were large, spacious, with stunning views over the
Southampton skyline.
Wyndham Court is situated in the heart of the city, having been designed in 1966 by architect,
Lyons Israel Ellis.
Southampton City Council wanted a building that reflected the culture and history of the city, which it does perfectly. It was intended to evoke the cruise ships that sailed to and from the
port of Southampton, which could be seen from the windows of this epochal building. The construction of
Wyndham court was completed in 1969, a record three years after the initial design was submitted. Located near
Southampton Central train station, it comprises 184 flats, shops and cafes. 122 of the units are two or three bedroom apartments, 61 are one bedroom flats or bedsits. Like most building projects of the time,
Wyndham Court was designed to house a wide demographic, as it still does today.
This marvel of social housing won an
architectural design award in 1966 and was
grade II listed in 1998, a contentious decision lambasted my many, including the local press.
English Heritage described the building as 'sculptural and impressive and remains a favourite with writers and architects alike. I have always found this building iconic and pleasing to the eye, holding it in high regard as one of my favourite pieces of
Brutalist architecture of the time.
Today
Wyndham court remains an important housing development, loved among local residents. Many of the flats have been sold off to tenants, since '
right to buy' was introduced by
Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
Two bedroom properties can sell for the reasonable price of 125,000 pounds, relatively good value for money for a home in the centre of
Southampton; offering far more space, than their modern counterparts and close proximity to businesses and facilities, utilised in city living.
Wyndham Court has lasted the test of time, leaving an impression on the history of
Southampton that will endure the generations. It remains a popular residential area of choice today, as much as it did fifty years ago when it was built. This building was constructed to house the professionals of the time and despite the changing demography of residents living in the building, today in 2017, professionals are once again moving to this sought after area of the city.
Like me, Dominic Donkin is happy to have secured an apartment in
Wyndham Court; I hope he will be very happy there. So much architecture of post war
Britain has been disparaged and in many cases demolished to make way for more aesthetically pleasing construction; I am just glad
Wyndham court has remained, standing tall, to continue to tell the story, of life in this vibrbant part of the city.
