Winner of the 2009 Prime Minister’s Award announced
Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College in Birmingham has won this year’s Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award.
Congratulating all those involved, the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, said the award was all about how creative design and high-quality construction lead to better public services. ‘Students, teachers and all those working and living around the college can take great pride in this first-class building. I am sure it will inspire all who use it and make a real difference to the community.’
The beautiful, protected and calm environment created by Nicholas Hare Architects belies its tough inner-city environment. The college’s principal, Elly Tobin, believes that never in their wildest dreams would the students have expected such a wonderful building. ‘It makes them feel proud and good about themselves. It gives them a sense of their place in the community and a sense of responsibility. They have been given something special and they want to do well and give something back.’
The Prime Minister's Award for Better Public Building
Good design is more than good looks: it means that buildings and spaces function in a way that adds to the quality of life for those who use them. Now in its ninth year, the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award recognises new buildings, places and spaces that improve the delivery of public services, give a sense of identity and community, are a source of local pride, and help build a sustainable future.
The award is made annually to a new building project of any size and budget commissioned by or on behalf of central or local government or by a grant-aided organisation. Uniquely, it rewards excellence in both design and procurement from across the public sector.
The Better Public Building initiative
The Better Public Building initiative was launched by the Prime Minister in 2000 to encourage high-quality design in all new public building.
