A FINANCIAL academy on the doorstep of London’s Canary Wharf business district is up for a national design award. The National Skills Academy for Financial Services in East London, which marks its first anniversary this month, has been shortlisted for excellence in design’

A FINANCIAL academy on the doorstep of London’s Canary Wharf business district is up for a national design award.

The National Skills Academy for Financial Services in East London, which marks its first anniversary this month, has been shortlisted for excellence in design.’

The academy housed in the formerly Victorian grammar school listed building in Poplar opened its new facility last February following a �5 million refurbishment.

It is one of five further education’ establishments shortlisted by the Royal Institute of British Architects for its style of building which combines modern with 19th century architecture.

The academy, part of nearby Tower Hamlets College, has also been nominated for a sustainability’ award, based on its re-use of existing materials, use of environmentally friendly and re-cycled materials and its green design. The award is being announced on March 31.