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Clarion opens applications for £20,000 innovation prize
The UK’s largest housing association has opened applications for its third annual innovation prize.
Clarion Housing Group will award £20,000 to the winner of the William Sutton Prize, named after the Victorian entrepreneur who founded one of the organisations that makes up the 125,000-home landlord.
Individuals or organisations may enter by presenting an idea for a concept, product or service intended to have a positive social impact on a community, Clarion said.
It can include projects developed during the coronavirus pandemic with the potential to have long-term benefits, the association added.
This year’s competition is split into two prizes, each with a £20,000 funding reward.
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The William Sutton Prize for Social Innovation will go to the creator of a concept, product or service that will help disadvantaged groups, including something trialled successfully during the COVID-19 crisis.
The William Sutton Prize for Placemaking and Affordable Housing Design will be awarded for a design concept to improve residents’ quality of life and well-being.
Criteria have been updated this year to recognise the importance of community spaces post-lockdown, Clarion said.
The winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Clarion bosses.
Clare Miller, chief executive of Clarion, said: “Whilst the coronavirus outbreak has seen our lives change in ways we could never have imagined, there have been some positive outcomes, as it has brought communities closer together and encouraged organisations to find creative solutions to challenges faced.
“We hope to see some of these amongst the entries for this year’s William Sutton Prize and look forward to continuing our support for talented and passionate architects, designers and social entrepreneurs.”
Last year’s social innovation prize went to Fat Macy’s, a catering service that works with young people living in temporary accommodation.
The design prize was awarded to Jas Bhalla Architects for its proposal to turn nine major roads in outer London into urban streets.
Applications close at midday on 30 September.
