Response to protest planned for RIBA Stirling Prize event at 66 Portland Place on 15 October by Architects for Social Housing (ASH)

A group called Architects for Social Housing (ASH) is planning a protest about the inclusion of NEO Bankside on the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist.

“The RIBA has met with representatives of ASH to hear their concerns and to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place for protestors and guests.

The RIBA Stirling Prize plays its part in driving up the standards of buildings across all sectors. The shortlist this year demonstrates this with a fine example of social housing for Peabody as well as the private sector-led development of Neo Bankside. It includes a cancer care centre in one of the poorest parts of the UK, alongside a comprehensive school in Wandsworth and university/public buildings in Manchester and Greenwich.

The lack of clarity on social housing requirements is one of the many failings of our broken housing market. The government needs to set out a clear plan for solving the housing crisis. In particular, there is an urgent need to address the dire lack of affordable housing in many of our towns and cities. At NEO Bankside, the clients have worked within the current legal framework to deliver a high-quality housing scheme that is deserving of its place on the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist; the clients have also agreed the required social housing elements with Southwark on various sites around the borough.”

ENDS

Posted on Thursday 15th October 2015