The competition, which aims to highlight the most impressive buildings in the city, was organised by Sheffield Civic Trust and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Yorkshire.

Deputy chief executive of Urban Splash Nick Johnson and creative director of David Mellor Design Corin Mellor were among those on the judging panel who whittled down the entries to the final six.

The shortlisted buildings are Sheffield University's Information Commons, No 1 North
Bank on the Wicker, Sharrow School, Vestry Hall in Burngreave and Butcher Works and Sterling Works, both in Arundel Street.

Chairman of Sheffield Civic Trust Simon Gedye said: "We were delighted to have so many high quality entries and the panel deliberated long and hard about which projects were worthy of the shortlist.

"Their final selection represents an excellent cross-section of the great new buildings that have been built in Sheffield as the city continues to be transformed. "

Head of RIBA Yorkshire Emma England said: "Good building design plays a vital role in the creation of successful cities.

"RIBA Yorkshire works hard to demonstrate the benefits of good architecture and promote our member's work.

"We were very keen to work with the Sheffield Civic Trust on the creation of this awards scheme as Sheffield has some of the best contemporary architecture in the region.

"This is clearly evident from the quality of projects on the shortlist."

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in February 2009.