A HAMPSHIRE firm of architects has been shortlisted for an award for its work on a waterside shopping and leisure complex.

Ower-based HPW, has been named as finalist in the prestigious Building Design ‘Architect of the Year Awards’ (AYA) for 2018 in the Retail & Leisure category for its role on the Rushden Lakes development in Northamptonshire.

Rushden Lakes is a £55m project built on 30 acres of brownfield land adjacent to extensive woodland and wetland with sensitive SSSI and Ramsar designated wildlife habitat.

HPW were lead consultants and architects on the project and ensured the design, on a sensitive site, gained the support of The Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

Gary Wilburn, HPW's managing director said: “Speaking with visitors and customers, the response to the development is humbling. They love Rushden Lakes as a Leisure Retail experience, how its design allows access to the countryside and its linkage to the town. HPW have enhanced the lakeside setting, creating a destination where people want to spend time.”

The firm is best known for its work with Paultons Park where they designed Peppa Pig World.

The BD Architect of the Year Awards celebrate the best in architecture and are unique in recognising a body of work across different sectors, judged by a panel of industry experts. The awards ceremony will take place on April 18 at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, London.