World Class Places Strategy Action Plan

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced support for the new World Class Places Strategy Action Plan, published today by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw and Housing Minister Ian Austin, on how the UK Government intends to work with its partners, such as the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), CABE and English Heritage, as well as with the built environment professions, to deliver the World Class Places goals which were laid out in May 2009.



"The RIBA is very supportive of the Government's World Class Places Strategy which we hope will lead to a truly joined-up approach to the quality of places and spaces," said Anna Scott-Marshall, Head of Public Affairs at the RIBA. "There is much that can be done to support Government departments, clients and Local authorities in the delivery of world class places including our recent joint guidance together with CABE, RTPI and Landscape Institute on design review panels at a local level.

One of the most challenging areas of the action plan will be implementing a minimum design threshold for all new public building programmes from spring 2010. Once thresholds are agreed the use of Client Design Advisers can help clients in delivering this.

We are pleased that the Government has put a recent emphasis on architecture and design for our economic, cultural and social future as highlighted by the Prime Minister at the recent reception for architecture this month. As outlined in the action plan, demonstrating the link between quality and economic benefits through research will be very valuable and we look forward to this action in particular."

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