Southwell Pavilion Centre

Southwell

This exciting project arose when Guy Taylor Associates had the opportunity to design a new Southwell Visitor and Tourist Information Centre, commissioned by the Southwell Council. The current visitor centre is hidden within the Southwell Library, which has limited parking and is approximately 5 mins away from the main Church Streetcar Park. Additionally, the public toilets within the main church Streetcar Park required a reconfiguration as it is dated and does not comply with the current regulations. 

Our proposal integrates the visitor centre and the public toilets, creating a prominent first point of entry for Southwell’s visitors. The new Welcome Centre will be integrated with the newly adopted and reconfigured Southwell public toilets to create an exciting first point of entry for Southwell’s tourists and visitors. 

The new Welcome Centre will offer sheltered, adaptable washroom facilities, a tourist information centre and an exhibition space. The exhibition space will showcase the history and archaeological and historical findings and provide a temporary space for local arts and crafts of the community of Southwell. In addition, the information area will provide a space for information leaflets, notice boards as well as an interactive map. This space will be run by volunteers to discuss the attractions and ‘what’s on’ for the visitors and tourists of Southwell. 

The design aims to be striking to capture people’s attention as they drive past Church Street. However, the design is subservient and sensitive to the surrounding context and prominent buildings such as the Chapter House and the Southwell Minster. The Architectural design details and principles were inspired by Southwell Minster’s Chapter House including the clerestory features used for natural lighting and the use of Magnesian Limestone, the original material of the Minister. This design has been published and has received positive feedback from Southwell Council.