Up-and-coming practices dominate shortlist for Lancashire nature reserve

A five-strong shortlist – including McDowell + Benedetti – has been named for the competition to design the Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve

A five-strong shortlist – including McDowell + Benedetti – has been named for the competition to design the Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve in Preston, Lancashire.

The London-based practice is joined by a gaggle of up-and-coming firms, including Leeds' Architecture 2B, AY Architects, and former Caruso St John protégé Adam Khan Architects. Manchester's Arca completes the quintet.

Backed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the North West Development Agency and the Forestry Commission, the proposed centre will include a café, shop, gallery and meeting rooms.

The scheme is part of the wider £59 million Newlands land regeneration scheme – Britain's largest ever environmental programme.

The shortlisted practices in the RIBA-organised contest will make their final presentations to the competition jury on Thursday 1 November.