THE flagship Marks & Spencer store at Cheshire Oaks has been shortlisted for a top architectural award.

Designed by architecture firm Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, the M&S is among 16 schemes in the North West shortlisted for a 2013 RIBA Award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

It joins an illustrious list of new buildings that includes Mann Island, Liverpool; Rockmount, a house at the top of Caldy Hill; and Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester.

The RIBA North West Awards recognise good, innovative architecture in the region.

The shortlisted buildings will be assessed by a regional jury, with the winners of an RIBA North West Award announced on Wednesday, June 12.

Regional winners will then be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence on a national platform, announced on the same evening.

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award winning buildings.

The 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced on Thursday, September 26, in London.