DERBY'S swing bridge across the River Derwent is one of two pieces of county architecture short-listed for an award from the Prime Minister.

The footbridge at Cathedral Green, which opened in April, is one of 24 buildings and bridges in the running for the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award.

It is joined by The Level Centre, in Matlock, which is a creative hub for people with learning disabilities.

They were picked out of more than 100 entries

The bridge, which can swing to one side in times of high water levels, was part of the re-landscaping of Cathedral Green, planned by Derby City Council and urban regeneration company Derby Cityscape.

It links the green to Stuart Street but has been criticised for not leading to anything of importance.

John Cadwallader, chief executive of Derby Cityscape, said: "To have the new pedestrian and cycle bridge shortlisted for this prestigious award is just reward for the hard work and dedication of those involved.

"The city council showed strong commitment to supporting this project financially against a background of budget constraints and should be congratulated on its ambition to deliver high-quality public realm like the swing bridge to enhance the attractiveness of the city centre.

"The true reward is not in that the bridge has been short-listed for this award but that Cathedral Green and the bridge are being used extensively by the public.

"Considering the cynics call it "the bridge to nowhere", all I can say is that there are an awful lot of people walking and cycling to nowhere."

The bridge project began in 2007 and was due to be finished in March last year at a cost of £3.8m. It opened in April this year with the final cost closer to £4.2m.

Gordon Brown said: "I would like to congratulate all the projects short-listed.

"We are absolutely committed to good quality, sustainable public buildings and infrastructure, as we believe that buildings that work efficiently and effectively improve the lives of those working in and around them and mean better public services.

"These projects show how creative design can make a real difference."

The short-listing panel said that the bridge in Cathedral Green, designed by Ramboll, was an elegant pedestrian and cycle swing bridge creating both a link and a meeting place.

It said: "Its design was inspired by Derby's textile industry and derives from a tailor's shears, in particular the action of hinged blades as they open and close."

About The Level, designed by Clash Associates, the panel said: "It provides facilities for the local community in a low-energy, low-maintenance building."

The winner will be announced on October 14.