By Greg Ritchie
The Westgate Centre is one of five Oxford buildings in the running to be named Britain’s best new piece of architecture.
UPDATE - We spoke to some Oxford experts - it's safe to say they weren't impressed
The shopping complex has made the shortlist for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South Awards, the winners of which will make the final for the prestigious national prize.
The news will come as a surprise to many locals, who have slammed the building for being too cold and have compared it to an ‘aircraft hangar’.
READ MORE: 'Like shopping in an aircraft hangar' - Westgate shoppers complain on TripAdvisor
Some readers have already responded to the news of Westgate's inclusion on the shortlist, and it's fair to say the views haven't been that positive.
No chance Windy City full of overpriced shops
— john (@john57826584) March 19, 2019
Never go there. Cold & disconnected. Nothing appealing about it.
— Claire Turnham MBE (@clairelouisetur) March 19, 2019
— Ian Jæmes (@ianjames77) March 19, 2019
Three of the other buildings nominated are part of Oxford University. They are Brasenose College’s Greenland Library, the Hand Building at Mansfield College, and the Beecroft Building on Parks Road.
The final Oxford building shortlisted is the residential Dora Carr Close in Headington.
The winning entires in the South category will then go up against the best buildings nationally, before one UK winner is found.
READ AGAIN: Downpour causes 'roof leak' at Westgate Centre
Oxford has enjoyed repeated success at the awards over the last few years, with the Blavatnik School of Government, the Weston Library, and the Ruskin School of Art all being recognised.
Last year, the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre at Worcester College won the RIBA South Building of the Year Award.
What do you think of the Westgate more than a year on? Leave your comments below on this and any of the shortlisted buildings
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