10 September 2007
Lewisham Primary Care Trust is to be presented with a plaque to mark the inclusion of the Kaleidoscope centre for children and young people in the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award shortlist.
Cllr Robert Massey, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, Lewisham Council, and Michael Richardson, Chair of Lewisham Primary Care Trust, will be presented with the award by CABE commissioner Lorna Walker at 1.00pm on Monday 10 September. Media are invited to attend the presentation in: Conference Room K1, Kaleidoscope, 32 Rushey Green Catford SE6 4JF.
The centre, designed by van Heyningen and Haward Architects, is among 18 shortlisted entries competing for the Prime Minister’s Award. The award recognises new buildings, places and spaces that, through good design, have improved local public services, create a sense of community and local pride, and are helping to build a sustainable future.
Bringing together an extensive range of health, social and educational services for local children and young people, the centre has benefited the whole community and has contributed to the regeneration of a deprived area of South London. Its colourful elevations, imaginative design, sustainability – including natural ventilation which eliminates the need for air conditioning – and a central courtyard garden which provides a shared green space at the heart of the building led to it being described by the judges as ‘an exemplary care facility’.
CABE Commissioner Lorna Walker said:
'Kaleidoscope's imaginative and thoughtful design has benefited the whole community by allowing different departments - originally scattered across the borough - to work together effectively. Consultation with those using the building was a driving force from the start and everyone involved should be congratulated on an excellent facility.'
Dr Tony O’Sullivan, Consultant Paediatrician at Lewisham Primary Care Trust, said:
'Lewisham PCT is delighted with Kaleidoscope. This is a wonderful resource for children who have a range of needs and disabilities. It provides an environment which guarantees Lewisham children and their families the respect due to them. It is also an unsurpassed opportunity for the 24 teams from Lewisham agencies to work together to provide high-quality, well-coordinated services. The design of the building has greatly facilitated the move towards successfully integrated service delivery, including shared assessment and training. Parents and children are already highly complimentary about Kaleidoscope, and a formal evaluation of the outcomes from the project is underway.'
Now in its seventh year, the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award recognises excellence in design quality and procurement practices of publicly funded building schemes. The 18 schemes shortlisted for this year's award were drawn from 117 entries. 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 10 October.