A FOOTBALL stadium has been nominated this year in the Harrow Heritage Trust and Harrow Observer Architectural and Environmental Awards.

Launched only last week, the awards celebrate the highest design standards and give public recognition to projects, large or small, that have enhanced the area in which they stand.

Buildings or projects completed within the past two years are eligible for consideration, just like one of the first entries – The Hive, in Camrose Avenue, Edgware.

Home to Barnet FC, the 5,176-capacity stadium has been submitted for inclusion by a mystery reader, who is also possibly a fan of the Conference Premier side, famed for their gold and black kit.

Chairman of Barnet FC, Anthony Kleanthous, said: “We are really pleased to be nominated.

“It is an internationally recognised training centre – we have had teams visit from Brazil, Chile, Denmark and all over.

“Officials from the Olympics used it as a base and a training ground, and we are very proud of it.

“It is really environmentally friendly. The main facility is powered by solar panels and it is a multi-purpose venue which has added great value to the local community by providing sport facilities.”

The venue also counts London Broncos RFC and The London Bees women’s team as tenants and boasts banqueting, conferencing and fitness facilities.

It was put forward for the award by an anonymous nominator.

He or she wrote: “The Hive is a multi-purpose venue which has added great value to the local community by providing sport facilities on a site that otherwise would have been left derelict.

“The site that has been created will give back to its community via the facilities it offers and moreover with the three sports teams that play at The Hive.”

The stadium is the subject of a three-day public inquiry beginning at Harrow Civic Centre in Station Road, Harrow, on June 10.

Harrow Council refused an application in September from the club for retrospective planning permission to authorise amendments made to the complex, which saw the west stand floodlights exceed their permitted dimensions.

The inquiry will jointly hear the club’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and its appeal against the council’s enforcement notice, stipulating the demolition of the stand and floodlights.

The winner of the biennial Harrow Heritage Trust and Harrow Observer Architectural and Environmental Awards 2014 receives a plaque, and the judges will also give out commendations.

Retired architect and town planner, Baj Mathur, one of the judges, said: “I have been part of the awards since it started and I am really looking forward to this year.

“I am looking for something brilliant, either an old building that has been renovated or a brand new one.”

n For details on how to nominate a building, go to www.getwestlondon.co.uk/harrowheritage .