About the Prime Minister's Award
The Better Public Building initiative has been celebrated each year since 2001 by the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award. The award recognizes new buildings and spaces, from the modest to the spectacular, that make the biggest difference to the lives of those who use them.
The judges look for high-quality design – essential for a good public building – but also efficient procurement; economic and social value; good team work between client, designer and contractor; sound financial management and whole-life value for money; and sustainability.
The shortlist for the 2008 Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award was announced on 12 June 2008 and the winner will be announced on 8 October 2008.
The judging panel for 2008
- Rob Holden, chief executive, London and Continental Railways (chair)
- David Orr, president, Institution of Civil Engineers (deputy chair)
- Chris Davis, head of Metros and Civils Division, Mott MacDonald
- Philip Dilley, chairman – Europe, Arup
- John Dodds, chief executive, Kier Group
- Hugh Ferguson, deputy director general, Institution of Civil Engineers
- Piers Gough CBE, partner, CZWG Architects
- Andrew McNaughton, group managing director, Balfour Beatty
- Antony Oliver, Editor, New Civil Engineer
- Jane Priestman OBE, design management consultant
- Alan Proctor, executive director, Hyder Consulting
- Philip Singleton, city design advisor, Birmingham City Council
- Ruth Slavid, online editor and special projects editor, Architects’ Journal
Special advisor to the judges
- John Ioannou, head of market and supplies - construction, Office of Government
The award is a special category of the British Construction Industry Awards and is sponsored jointly by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). 
CABE is concerned with architecture, design and people’s quality of life. It champions well-designed buildings and public space through public campaigns and expert practical advice. It works directly with planners, designers, clients and architects, offering guidance on projects that will shape lives, such as homes, streets, parks, offices, schools and hospitals.
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is an office of HM Treasury, responsible for improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement, from commodities buying to the delivery of major capital projects, maximising the effective use of 60 per cent of government spending and a £30 billion property estate.