Estelle Morris said:
"I am delighted that so many of the shortlisted buildings for the Prime Minister's Better Public Buildings Award have a cultural theme. My Department has consistently promoted, across all its sectors, the vision that buildings are not simply functional objects designed to meet functional needs.
"Libraries are not just places to house shelves of books. Nor are art galleries simply buildings to store paintings. They can provide far more than that and reflect a local community's sense of worth, cultural identity and pride. They can even help regeneration and help bring visitors and employment to deprived areas."
The Minister continued:
"Architecture has an impact on all our lives each and every day. All the buildings in the shortlist have a lasting value that they will bequeath to their communities. I am pleased to see that the cultural sector has done so well in this competition so far and wish them well in the final judging process."
The shortlisted buildings with cultural links include:
- Bournemouth Library
- National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
- Kingston Upon Hull Community Stadium
- Laban Dance Centre, London
- City of Manchester Stadium
- Imperial War Museum North, Trafford, Manchester
More information is available on CABE's website or the Better Public Building website .
Notes to Editors
The Prime Minister's Better Public Buildings Award is co sponsored by the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment (CABE) and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
The Award recognises projects that are successful in all aspects of the construction process - procurement, construction, design and budget targets - not just design.
The winner of the Award will be announced at the British Construction Industry Awards ceremony in London on 22 October.
