A WATER treatment works is one of the buildings nominated for the North-East's architectural 'Oscars'.

A total of 46 entries have been received for the 2005 Hadrian Awards - ranging from the nationally-famous Discovery Centre, in Newcastle, to Northumbria Water's £25m Wear Valley Treatment Works, in Wearhead, County Durham.

Some may be surprised at the choice of a water works - but not local people, who are pleased with the efforts which have been made to make sure it does not detract from the beautiful landscape that surrounds it.

Ian Forbes, chairman of the Weardale Community Partnership, said: "People are very happy with the development. I can understand why it is in line for an award.

"I am pleased to see the efforts Northumbrian Water have made to make the building blend in with the beautiful landscape of Upper Weardale."

The works treats 35 million litres of water a day for 200,000 homes in Peterlee, Sunderland and the Wear Valley, and is disguised as a farmhouse building, largely constructed using slate and stone. Two-thirds of the works is underground.

Other notable buildings which have been put forward for the awards include King's Academy college, in Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, and the colourful medical centre in Gainford, near Darlington.

Doctor Ian Waldin said that he was pleased that the surgery, which opened in July 2003, had been entered.

"As well as looking very good, the centre was also very functional, he said.

"I think the red and blue colours on the outside of this building took a few people by surprise, but a lot of out-patients really like it."

A rather more plush nomination is the multi-million pound Serenity Spa complex, adjoining Seaham Hall Hotel.

Director Jocelyn Maxfield said: "The design is unique, and it's wonderful to have this recognised.''

Graham Bell, the director of the North of England Civic Trust, who is also the chairman of the Hadrian Awards, said: "There is a wide range of building types entered, with projects ranging in value from £13,000 to £40m.

"While almost half the projects are in Newcastle, there is a good geographical spread of entries - from Alnmouth in the north to Gainford in the south, with a number in rural areas."

The biennial Hadrian Awards are organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects, Northern Architecture and the North of England Civic Trust.

This year, for the first time, they are open to architects from outside the region who have undertaken commissions in the North-East.

All entries are being posted on Northern Architecture's website at www. northernarchitecture.com and the public can vote.

Judges will draw up shortlists and announce the winning entries on June 17.