The funds will help them deliver inspiring projects that encourage communities to get actively involved in the changes occurring in the built environment around them.

The activities of the architecture centres are specially geared to their regions and reflect local issues such as housing market renewal, sustainability and school design.

CABE's regional funding programme has made awards since 2002 to help support and strengthen architecture and built environment centres.

There will be public debates, support for local councillors, roadshow design projects, and opportunities for pupils, teachers and the wider community to have their say about the schools being built or refurbished under the government's Building Schools for the Future programme.