Millennium appraisals ‘could include design’

NEWS

The 83 projects shortlisted for 350m of Millennium grants are working on detailed appraisals which “could well include design”, according to Heritage Secretary Stephen Dorrell.

The 12 schemes to be chosen to receive grants in early August will be entitled to reimbursements of all monies spent on design fees, according to Millennium Commission deputy chief executive Heather Wilkinson.

“The amount the projects have spent on design will certainly be taken into account when the grants are being awarded,” Wilkinson says.

The 83 projects include the 125m Earth Centre in South Yorkshire, which has applied for 50m. Its architects are Will Alsop, Future Systems and Feilden Clegg Design (DW 12 June 1992). The centre’s chief executive Jonathan Smales plans to hold about 50 small design competitions for the centre’s many elements, but is waiting to hear about the Millennium grant.

The commission is offering feedback to some projects not on the list of potential winners for this year’s funding. This includes advice – including some hints about design – but it will not be detailed, according to chief executive Jennifer Page.

Environmental and local projects dominate the shortlist, which includes the British Museum’s 60m Great Court redesign and the Tate Gallery’s 106m Bankside project.