'You are terribly important' – Hodge addresses architects at AJ100 ceremony
- Published: 15 May 2008 12:18
- Author: Max Thompson
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- Last Updated: 15 May 2008 13:08
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Architecture minister Margaret Hodge has challenged architects to 'focus on the UK's existing building stock.'
Speaking at the AJ100 awards ceremony last night (14 May), Hodge said that even with the government's housing target of three million new homes by 2020, only five per cent of the UK's homes would be new build.
Addressing the packed East Wintergarden auditorium in Canary Wharf, London, she said: 'You have a role to play with the existing stock – it is a challenge to you all.
'The architecture profession must focus on the existing stock of buildings – it is as important as creating new ones.'
Hodge went on to proclaim that it was her duty to champion the architecture industry: 'I am your minister… and I am ready and willing to listen. I will promote the work you do.
'You are growing at twice the rate of our economy and are a part of our future – you are terribly important,' the minister added.
