AN eco-friendly building in an Oxfordshire town could win a national award.

Bicester’s Eco Business Centre has been recognised for its environmental credentials alongside the value it brings to the local economy.

The Royal Town Planning Institute have shortlisted the 'innovative' building in their ‘Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy’ category.

The zero carbon centre, which opened last September, was developed by Cherwell District Council and is the first non-residential Passivhaus Plus building in the UK - a rigorous standard for energy efficiency, quality and comfort.

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Managed by Town Square Spaces Ltd, it provides a base for businesses, as well as a co-working space for local people to network and share ideas.

Councillor Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration and property said: “Being nominated for such a prestigious award is a real honour. When the Eco Business Centre was first conceived, we wanted a building with the highest standards of energy efficiency, but also an environment where people genuinely wanted to work from."

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Milton Court Concert Hall in London on April 30.