A design competition has been announced to generate ideas for a nuclear power station project in West Cumbria.

Designers from across the world are being ask to draw up architecture and landscape ideas for NuGen's Moorside nuclear development.

As Europe's largest new nuclear power station, the project will include three AP1000 reactors next to the Sellafield site.

Two competitions have now been commissioned each with a £25,000 prize fund to generate 'iconic' designs at Moorside.

One of the competitions is being run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is open to all qualified architects. It will seek designs for various buildings including a visitor centre for the main site, an accommodation block and an overall site plan.

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The other competition is being operated by the Landscape Institute (LI) and will be available for landscape architects. It will look for the 'best creative and sustainable solutions' for the setting of the Moorside project.

It is understood excavated material from the main developments construction will be used to generate screening and provide a permanent amenity for local communities.

Shortlists will be drawn up by an independent panel of technical experts including architect Sir Terry Farrell and former Lake District National Park Authority chief executive Paul Tiplady.

NuGen’s CEO, Tom Samson, said: "NuGen wants to deliver the very best possible project for the people of Cumbria and are working with RIBA and LI to access their extensive network and ensure that we attract the very best design professionals to provide an iconic design and a positive legacy for years to come."

"Our project will generate up to 3.6GW of electricity, equivalent to seven per-cent of the UK’s requirements, from a sustainable low-carbon source. This competition is a World-first for a nuclear development."

(LM/MH)