New and old build on success

A turf-covered restaurant and a popular department store are among 51 constructions named as London's finest new buildings of 2005.

Contenders for the Royal Institute of British Architecture's annual awards include controversial modern buildings such as Inn The Park, the turf-covered restaurant in St James's Park and the BBC's Media Village at White City.

But the shortlist also includes familiar names - such as the Prince of Wales Theatre and part of the Tower of London - which have all had redesigns.

"This year we are also seeing a lot of great restoration projects such as Hackney Empire coming through, and the awards will certainly look to reward them just as much as completely new buildings," said Jeremy Till, chairman of RIBA's awards group.

Experts say London could sweep the board in the architecture awards in June.

"London has an incredibly strong entry. The combination of large companies willing to spend money and great architects means London will always do well," said Mr Till.

Other buildings on the shortlist include the Isokon apartment development in NW3, Swiss Cottage Library, Peter Jones in Sloane Square, the Asprey store in New Bond Street and the Home Office HQ.