Designers from across the world are being invited to come up with "iconic designs" for the new nuclear power station at Moorside.
Nu-Gen is inviting architecture and landscape ideas for what will be Europe’s largest new nuclear power station.
The company is developing plans to build three new reactors next to the Sellafield site, and have launched two design competitions.
One of the competitions, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects, will be open to all qualified architects and will seek designs for various buildings including a visitor centre for the main site, an accommodation block and masterplan.
The other competition, for landscape architects, will be run by the Landscape Institute and seeks the best creative and sustainable solutions for providing the setting for the Moorside development. The competition will be open to all chartered landscape architects.
Following the competition, a shortlist will be selected to progress through NuGen’s procurement process with the view of placing contracts for architect and landscape architect support to the company.
The shortlisted designs will be selected by an independent panel of technical experts, including Sir Terry Farrell (the British architect and urban designer famous for work including the MI6 Building in London) and Paul Tiplady (former Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority).
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.”
Jamie Reed, MP for Copeland, welcomed a competition to attract creative design ideas for Moorside: “The community worked hard to attract nuclear new-build to the region, and it’s only right that the project will benefit from having the best possible design.
“Moorside will be transformational for Copeland. I am confident our best days are ahead of us, and this initiative will help deliver an iconic building, landscape and a lasting legacy that the region can be proud of.”