Better Public Building

CABE press release

Top of the class - John Perry Children's Centre recognised for its great design

2 October 2006

Contact: Dan Thomson, 020 7070 6772

A presentation to mark the inclusion of the John Perry Children's Centre in the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award shortlist will be taking place on Wednesday 4 October.

The project, which combines a nursery and a children's centre on an existing school site, is among a total of 14 shortlisted entries, each vying for this year's award. Now in its sixth year, the award recognises excellence in design quality and the procurement practices of publicly funded building schemes.

CABE's head of public affairs, Adrian Harvey, will formally present a plaque to Councillor Jeanne Alexander, Barking and Dagenham's Executive Member responsible for Children’s Services, to mark the occasion.

The media are invited to attend the presentation:

Location: John Perry Children’s Centre, Auriel Avenue, Dagenham RM10 8BS
Date: 4 October
Time: 12:00 – 13:00

The nursery element of the John Perry Children's Centre forms a fourth wall enclosing an existing courtyard, and thereby creating an outdoor teaching area which fitted with the school’s wishes to connect the children fully to nature and daylight. The larger children’s centre has a courtyard at its heart, radiating light throughout the building and providing a visual buffer between the public functions and private, protected world for the children.

The centre includes play spaces for older children, infant sleeping and changing areas, medical rooms and spaces for public meetings and hire.

CABE head of public affairs, Adrian Harvey, said:

'This is an intelligent design which has clearly paid close attention to the needs and aspirations of the client. It sets an admirably high standard for other nursery schools and children’s centres to emulate.'

The judges said:

‘The centre shows how collaborative working, and rethinking how a school and children’s centre could work together, can produce a refreshing local landmark.’

The award is jointly sponsored by CABE and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). It is part of the British Construction Industry Awards and the winner will be announced on 26 October 2006 at a ceremony in central London.

Notes to Editors

To attend the plaque presentation, or obtain images of the presentation after it takes place, please contact Dan Thomson on 020 7070 6772
Directions to plaque presentation: John Perry Children’s Centre, Auriel Avenue, Dagenham RM10 8BS. Nearest Tube station: Dagenham East, District Line.
Further information on each of the 14 short listed schemes can also be found on the Better Public Building website. The contenders for this year’s award are:
The winner of the 2005 Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award was the Jubilee Library in Brighton.
CABE is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. As a public body, we encourage policymakers to create places that work for people. We help local planners apply national design policy and offer expert advice to developers and architects. We show public sector clients how to commission buildings that meet the needs of their users. And we seek to inspire the public to demand more from their buildings and spaces. Advising, influencing and inspiring, we work to create well-designed, welcoming places.
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is an office of HM Treasury which works with central civil government as a catalyst to achieve best value for money in commercial activities. For more information contact Adrian Ient on 020 7271 1366.