Artist impressions show how a prime Norfolk tourist spot could look in the future

These artists' impressions show how a new visitor centre at a prime Norfolk Broads tourism spot could look.

The designs are part of a scheme by the Broads Authority to build a new visitor and education centre for its Acle Bridge site.

For its plan the authority set up a design challenge to architects to draw up blueprints for the sustainable centre.

Architects were given the Broads Authority's 'vision' for the site which included the importance of engaging the public in big issues such as water management, climate change, sea level rise and the need for sustainability.

The building had to make provision for facilities aimed at visitors, boaters, local residents and school children alike.

The competition launched on 20 April and attracted expressions of interest from 163 practices from across the world.

95 entries were received by the closing date.

A judging panel carefully considered each entry against criteria set by the Broads Authority. The anonymised process resulted in a shortlist of three which are now being moved on to the second stage.

The Shortlisted designs are:

• Acle Bridge National Park & Education Centre - Feilden and Mawson (Norwich)

• The Large White - Mole Architects (Cambridge)

• The Periscope - Mills Power Architecture (London)

John Last, vice chancellor of the NUA and Chair of the Acle Bridge Design Competition Panel, said: 'The panel felt that each of these three had real potential to achieve a sustainable environmentally sensitive intervention into the landscape reflecting the values of the Broads Authority, whilst at the same time offering innovative design solutions and creating a potential 'landmark' building, sensitive to its local environment.

'The three shortlisted practices each have different strengths and we now look forward to the presentations from these practices to consider in greater detail the design and the ways that it can be realised with strong value for money, environmental awareness and design innovation.'

John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority, said: 'We've been delighted with the response to the architectural competition.

'This is the first time we have run such a competition and been surprised by the sheer number and variety of designs.

'Innovative approaches from architects in Britain and overseas have given us a great deal to think about and it was very difficult for the Judging Panel to shortlist.

'I would like to thank all those who submitted entries and we are considering whether we could exhibit all the submitted designs later in the year.

'The next stage is for the judging panel to pick a winning design which will create a landmark building for the Broads National Park.'

An announcement of the competition winner with a presentation of their final design will be revealed on July 27 at the Broads Authority Meeting.