King Alfred's College, Winchester, is celebrating the news of a Civic Trust commendation for the sensitive restoration of the West Downs Centre in Romsey Road.

It is the second commendation the college has received, the first being awarded for the library in 2001. College director of estates, Chris Higgins, said he was delighted as applications were particularly strong this year due to the numerous millennium projects completed within the past two years.

"Although much of the credit must go to the architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, of Bath, for achieving a skilful balance of meticulous restoration with adventurous contemporary insertions in the original Victorian fabric, it was a tough project for us all at the college and we are thrilled to be recognised for sponsoring good design," he said.

The refurbishment of the Grade II listed building has been in keeping with traditional Victorian architecture and it retains much of its original style and character, offering both modern and traditional characteristics in its teaching and conference facilities.

Built in 1880 as a boys' preparatory school, it closed its doors to pupils in 1987. The college bought the site in 1994 and the West Downs Performing Arts and Conference Centre was opened by Lord Puttnam in May, 2001.