Wigg Island Visitor Centre in Runcorn, designed by Hot Architecture, completes the shortlisted local projects in this year’s competition.
The RIBA judging panel will now visit each scheme on the shortlist before deciding on a winner on May 20.
Liverpool’s Arena and Convention Centre has also been singled out for specific praise this week by comedian and presenter Griff Rhys Jones at an awards ceremony at Arsenal FC's Emirates stadium.
The ACC was given the NightVision Award, recognising its economic impact on the docklands and the city as a whole.
Judges praised the building, another designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, for being a "real focal point for regeneration".
It also won plaudits for the way it complemented the famous Three Graces.
