1.2  Quality of Design

All structures and associated areas are to be designed to a high standard in order to maintain and enhance the image of the Authority.

The new or refurbished Stations should:

■  be fit for purpose, a pleasure to use, visit and look at;

■  be easy and cost-effective to build, maintain adapt and manage;

■  meet all statutory requirements and building regulations;

■  be designed for sustainability and avoid damage to the environment; and

■  contribute positively to their surroundings: the site, the streetscape and local communities.

The Home Office and DCLG require each Authority to appoint a Design Champion and to implement the Design Quality Indicator (DQI) process. It is essential that the design quality of the proposed buildings achieves the appropriate benchmarks before a recommendation of approval can be made to the Project Review Group and / or Ministers. To ensure the benchmark is met the technical team (of the Home Office or DCLG) should be actively consulted by the Authority during the development of a detailed Outline Business Case (OBC).