WEYMOUTH'S Nothe Fort has been shortlisted for a major architectural award.

The fortress, which was reopened following a £2.4 million refurbishment last year, has been recognised in the Royal Institute of British Architects 2008 regional awards. The winner will be announced on September 25.

The conversion of the 19th century fort into a museum of coastal defence impressed the RIBA and it has been shortlisted with two other projects in the conservation category.

The conservation work was carried out by Bristol-based architects Architectron.

Partner in charge of the Nothe project Colin Harvey said: "It's good to be recognised. We always carefully follow the methods so that we conserve areas that are broken down and where we have to add something to the building, we do it in a positive way.

"It was a complete overhaul of the whole site to make it into an accessible public attraction.

"Our brief was to repair and conserve the fort as a working model for a museum of coastal defence and to provide areas for displays.

"One of the things we did was to improve the public access and general health and safety standards by providing railings which help people get around the building.

Head of South West RIBA Jon Watkins said: "I know the fort very well and I remember the sort of decrepit state it used to be in. They have completely turned it around."