Building Design newspaper

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This issue of Building Design newspaper includes a report on the launch of the Black International Construction Organisation (BICO), chaired by Labour MP Bernie Grant. BICO was created to support the reconstruction of South Africa by connecting black and ethnic minority construction professionals with ethical community development projects. The newspaper also covers challenges faced by architects in Scotland due to council reorganisations and funding shifts.

Key points:
– Labour MP Bernie Grant and black construction professionals launched BICO to support South Africa's reconstruction.
– BICO consists of 90 black and ethnic minority practitioners committed to ethical consultancy and community involvement.
– BICO's first project is advising the Free State province on community development in South Africa.
– Architects in Scotland are experiencing delays and funding concerns following local government reorganisation and budget cuts.
– BICO members must be black-led practices with experience in diversity, sustainability, and local community engagement.

Bernie Grant was a prominent figure in Black British politics and anti-racist activism, using his parliamentary role to support international solidarity, particularly with South Africa. The formation of BICO exemplifies how Black British professionals mobilised trade unionism, local government, and internationalism to promote ethical reconstruction and community development abroad while addressing racial equity within the construction industry.

Source note: The OCR text contains some formatting errors and minor transcription inaccuracies, but the main content about BICO, Bernie Grant’s role, and architectural impacts of council reforms remain clear.