Fencing built around a university building to bolster security has been branded “a bit brutal” in appearance.

Canterbury Christ Church University recently laid down 200 metres of black railing around its North Holmes Road site.

But an architecture expert says the black metal bars outside the Verena Holmes Building – situated on part of the old Canterbury Prison site – could be viewed as a “symbol of endurance”.

Clive Bowley, of Anthony Swaine Architecture, based in Canterbury, says: “In terms of the architectural design of the building itself, it is quite humane.

“It uses a local red brick, that helps integrate it into its surroundings as well as it can be for a building of that size.

“It’s a shame that the railings are a bit brutal.

“If they had been designed in a more traditional way, they might have been better.

“When you think about what it was like before, it’s quite an improvement from when it was a prison.

“But people have mixed feelings about railing.

“Some say it’s a traditional part of our English townscape, others see it as a symbol of exclusion.”

Now home to the Kent and Medway Engineering and Design department, the site previously formed part of Canterbury Prison, where the Kray twins were once held.

After building the angle-topped boundary on top of a pre-existing brick wall, Jackson Fencing described the building as a “fortress of endurance”.

“With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on academic excellence, the university partnered with Jacksons Fencing in 2023 to fortify its facilities,” it says.

“The ‘Barbican’ vertical bar system was specified thanks to its sleek appearance, anti-climb design, robust construction, and vandal-proof features, ensuring a secure boundary without sacrificing aesthetics.”

Mr Bowley explained he understands the need for good security at Christ Church, having himself once been the victim of theft on the campus.

“Regrettably they have had problems of people going onto the site and stealing things,” continued the Canterbury Heritage and Design Forum member.

“I had my own bicycle stolen from there once. They had to do something as the walls aren’t that high.

“And it could have been worse. They could have topped the fencing with those strips with the spikes going around them, then it really would have looked like a prison.”

A spokesperson from Canterbury Christ Church University's Estates Department said: "Designs were approved through the local planning system to install fencing around the Verena Holmes Building at our North Holmes Road campus.

“The University welcomes public access throughout the day and gates are closed in the evening to ensure safety of our staff, students and the wider community.“