Architects designing a new building at an arts centre say they have taken inspiration from the history of the area.

Harrow Council selected Chris Dyson Architects to work on a new section of Harrow Arts Centre after it secured redevelopment funding last year.

There are plans to build an L-shaped building at the site to provide additional classrooms and workshops to encourage more cultural activities in the borough.

The architects said the design will be influenced by earlier farm buildings in the area, as well as nearby schools and the wider suburban make-up of Hatch End and Pinner.

Chris Dyson said: “Our aspiration is to design a new building with its own identity, responding to a specific programme while also sensitively complementing neighbouring heritage structures.

“Our intention is to create clear, legible and direct relationships with all external spaces.”

According to the council, the scheme will be “highly energy efficient” and the winning bid highlighted the potential of utilising solar heating and rainwater harvesting.

A spokesman for Harrow Council said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with a leading London architectural practice – we look forward to delivering an important new social amenity for the borough.”

The arts centre recently faced closure, but, last year, the council’s cabinet announced a successful bid for funding for improvement works.

It explained that some of this would be used to convert derelict portable buildings at the site to increase usage.