LIVERPOOL’S Arena and Convention Centre and the redeveloped Bluecoat have been shortlisted for a world architecture prize.
ACC Liverpool, designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, has already landed a series of awards including recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) in the North West this year.
Now it is in the running for the inaugural World Architecture Festival (Waf) Awards, alongside the Bluecoat and the likes of Wembley stadium.
Headed by Lord Norman Foster, the international judging panels will comprise architects, allied professionals, clients and critics.
The Bluecoat has been nominated in the “New and Old” category, which will be judged on the second day of the festival.
On the final day, an overall winner of the World Building of the Year Award will be decided.
The Bluecoat was also awarded a Riba Northwest Award after reopening in March following completion of its £12.5m redevelopment.
Chief executive Alastair Upton said: “We always said that the Bluecoat redevelopment was going to be one of the highlights and lasting legacies of 2008.
“It is fantastic to see this being recognized on an international stage.”
Hans van der Heijden, of Dutch architects Biq who designed the redevelopment of the Bluecoat, added: “It feels very good to get a pat on the back for this work.
“The Bluecoat is an extremely important project for us as it has now positioned us in an international discourse.”
Other competition comes from some odd sounding entries including a Texan toilet and a Christian church in the capital of Communist China.
Wembley Stadium (designed by Foster & Partners), O2 Arena (HOK Sport) and the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea (John McAslan & Partners) are among the UK projects shortlisted.
All shortlisted architects will present their work live to juries and audiences during the WAF in Barcelona.
