A COMPETITION has been launched to design a �2million welcome centre for the Great Fen Project.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) launched the competition yesterday (Tuesday) with the aim of creating the first centre, which would be built at New Decoy Farm between Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen, at any of the Wildlife Trust’s 128 sites.

A RIBA spokesman said: “The winning scheme will need to reflect the overall ambition of the Great Fen, with an exceptional building that makes best use of the site’s qualities and an exemplar of sustainability in construction and use.”

Teams need to register before January 19 and the deadline for design submissions in 2pm on January 10.

Four designs will be shortlisted and the teams will be interviewed by the judging panel, with a decision likely to be made in April.

The Great Fen Project, a partnership between the Wildlife Trust, Huntingdonshire District Council, the Middle Level Commissioners, the Environment Agency and Natural England, will transform more than 3,00 hectares of arable land into wetland, lakes, ponds, reedbed, bog and marsh, grassland and woodland.

INFORMATION: Each shortlisted team will receive �3,000 plus VAT. For more details visit www.architecture.com/competitions