News

Celebrating the 'unsung hero's' of public building

2nd March 2006

The 2006 Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award has been launched. CABE, along with the Office of Government Commerce is urging all those who have procured a public building, such as head teachers, directors of NHS Trusts and local council leaders, to seek recognition for their new buildings by entering them for the award.

Now in its sixth year, the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award recognises both design and procurement excellence in building projects from across the public sector. Last year's winner was the Jubilee Library in Brighton, which has seen visitor numbers and book loans triple since opening.

Previously shortlisted schemes have included roads, flood defence schemes and public toilets as well as schools, hospitals and libraries.

Speaking at the launch event in Westminster, the government's design champion Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell MP commented: "Design matters. The Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award recognises, celebrates and publicises high quality architecture in the public sector. By showing what good design can do there, we aim to raise design standards across the construction industry. Tonight marks the call for entries for the 2006 award. I greatly look forward to presenting the award to the winning project later this year."

Also speaking at the launch, John Sorrell, chair of CABE, describes the people who commission excellent new public buildings as 'unsung heroes': "These are the individuals who can make the difference between a project being just mediocre or absolutely excellent. It's about the courage of an individual who understands the importance of a design and shows the determination and leadership to take risks and go that extra mile to achieve it."

John Oughton, chief executive of the Office of Government Commerce said: "OGC is proud of its association with CABE in sponsoring this prestigious award. There is a growing recognition of the role that good design can play in ensuring optimal value for money in public sector projects, and ultimately in delivering high-quality public services. I encourage people involved in public sector procurement to come forward with their entries."

The closing date for entries is 20 April 2005, with judging in May, a shortlist announced in July and the winners in October 2006. The PM's Award is a special category with the British Construction Industry Awards. Visit http://www.betterpublicbuildings.gov.uk/ for more information on criteria and how to enter.