Senior construction and architecture figures were due to attend a Downing Street reception held last night by the prime minister to mark the RIBA’s 175th anniversary

Gordon Brown, the prime minister, was set to host the bash to thank the industry for the contribution it makes to the UK’s public realm and to underline the government’s support for construction.

Brown said: “First-rate buildings and creative design make a huge difference to our quality of life.”

Ruth Reed, president of the RIBA, said she wanted to introduce the prime minister to people who would deliver on government objectives. She said: “Good design can help improve the care in hospitals, the education in schools and the way people feel about themselves and their community."

The buildings built today need to fulfill all these aspirations and offer value for money.”

Student winners of the RIBA’s 175th Anniversary competition to design a parliament building of the future and this year’s CABE public building award winners also attended the event.

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