Press Releases

Good Building Design Generates Value to Taxpayers

The good design of public buildings helps generate value to the taxpayer and helps produce built environments of lasting value, a report to Government states.

It also says that public sector clients involved in one or more capital building projects should appoint a 'Design Champion'.

The report Improving Standards of Design in the Procurement of Public Buildings jointly produced by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) also calls for all government departments to have clear procedures for rejecting schemes that do not reach an acceptable design standard.

It also recommends departments should ensure best value for money delivers a commitment to design in procurement of government projects.

The OGC/CABE report was commissioned in April 2001 to consider what steps might be necessary to ensure further improvements in design quality of building and infrastructure projects procured by the public sector and to develop a set of recommendations.

Paul Boateng, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said the report underlined the government's message that sound, creative design was an essential ingredient to achieving best value for money. 

He went on:

"Our public buildings need to reflect the ideals of good design. Inefficient procurement practices have failed to deliver this, and we still have a way to go."

"This report contains some valuable lessons and reinforces the Government's message that value for money does not end when construction is complete, but continues throughout the life of the building, whether it be a hospital, school or other public service."

Sir Stuart Lipton, Chairman of CABE said:

"This report provides practical steps for both central government and the public sector construction clients to ensure that excellent in both design and procurement is delivered."

Sir John Bourne, Comptroller and Auditor General, National Audit Office also welcomed the report.  He said:

"I welcome the importance this report attaches to design excellence.  I encourage all those involved in construction projects to adopt the good practice which it advocates."

NOTES TO EDITORS

Established in April 2000, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) was set up to act as a catalyst in procurement issues and to work with civil departments to achieve best value for money in their commercial activities.

Responsible for civil central government procurement policy and best practice including Construction, Property Management, IT, the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), supplier relations including opening government contracts to SMEs, e-commerce including the Government Procurement Card, the Gateway Review Process, OGCbuying.solutions, including the Government buying catalogues, G-Cat and S-Cat and developing strategic procurement partnerships with the private sector.

Media Enquiries:

OGC: David Prior: 020 7271 1381

CABE: Hilary Clarke: 020 7960 2403