The Society valued the 'sparkling white' new Terminal, stating how it was more like a 'light and airy airport', with a clarity of design and refined approach to passenger handling. The Society stated that the sculptural anti-terrorism protection enhanced the perimeter, and also that the judges were impressed by a series of environmental features in the building including the innovative use of seawater for cooling and heating via a heat exchanger.

D5 won the commission through a competitive interview process. The brief for the project was to create a new Terminal, providing the customer experience of an Airport to attract more continental ferry passengers and a growing cruise liner operation. The simple form of the design uses self-finish, durable, long life materials to ease maintenance and a clear span structure to maximise future flexibility. Internally the building has been arranged to be as intuitive to use as possible with a simple pallet of durable materials and large legible spaces requiring minimal signage. The building also houses retail and refreshment units, including a 1st floor bar with external terrace offering views over the docks and harbour.

A time-lapse photo film of the Terminals construction can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/11078079

The project has been well received by users and local community alike.  Some of the praise received has included:

Business Secretary Vince Cable, who performed the official opening ceremony; ‘a tremendous positive success story and a symbol of economic growth and regeneration." "a magnificent building." "This is the future."

Portsmouth Lord Mayor Councillor Paula Riches; ‘It is fantastic and I’m amazed how huge it is. What an improvement on the past. I’m sure passengers will love it.’  

Bill Gibbons, PSA director: ‘Its dual use for ferries and cruise is fantastic,’ ‘It is both a symbol of the regeneration of the ferry sector and part of Portsmouth’s developing role as a niche cruise port for smaller ships.