A CONTROVERSIAL seaside attraction has been shortlisted for an inauspicious trophy – The Carbuncle Cup.

Since it opened its doors over the Easter break more than 100,000 people have visited the colourful Redcar Beacon.

The 80ft structure split opinion across the town when the plans were initially unveiled and now its design has courted more controversy after it was selected, along with five other new buildings, to fight it out for The Carbuncle Cup.

Launched eight years ago by Building Design magazine, the 'honour' was designed as a humorous counterpart to the prestigious Stirling Prize.

The leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has defended the building’s design merits and maintains that people who visit the Beacon are always impressed.

Councillor George Dunning said: “The people of Redcar said that they wanted something different for the town and the Beacon has certainly proved to be that. It was deemed as a controversial design, but it is already proving to be a success.

“It has attracted more than 100,000 visitors since it opened and if the controversy about it being shortlisted for The Carbuncle Cup brings more people to have a look – they will all be welcomed to the town.

“The final design was chosen with expert guidance from the Royal Institute of British Architects and after a great deal of public consultation.

“What came back from the public was that they wanted something new and something different - and the Redcar Beacon is certainly that.

"Almost everyone who has visited the Beacon has been impressed by its design and what it offers the people.

“We wanted something unique that would form a centre piece to the seafront project and one that would draw attention to all of the great things going on in Redcar.”

The Redcar Beacon, which was designed by Seven Architecture in conjunction with Smeeden Foreman Architects, is competing with another five buildings shortlisted for the prize: Castle Mill housing, Port Meadow, Oxford, by Frankham Consultancy Group; Port Meadow, 465 Caledonian Road, London, by Stephen George and Partners; Avant Garde, 34-42 Bethnal Green Road, London, by Stock Woolstencroft; Porth Eirias Watersports Centre, Colwyn Bay, Wales, by K2 Architects; Premier Inn, Lambeth, London, by Hamiltons.

The winner will be selected by a jury that includes Building Design magazine executive editor Ellis Woodman and critics Owen Hatherley and Gillian Darley.

A decision will be announced on August 30.