Major project definition
According to GRIP Manual, Introduction to the Project Management manual, published by Network Rail in 2006, the term ‘major project’ refers to:
‘A bespoke project, programme or portfolio characterised by its complexity, level of investment and stakeholder involvement. Such a project is likely to have its own project control office established and have a dedicated project team under the direct control of a nominated person.'
The Major Projects Authority defined major projects (in the public sector) as projects that meet any of the following criteria:
- It requires HM Treasury approval.
- It could lead to a breach in departmental expenditure limits.
- It involves significant levels of unplanned spending.
- It could set an expensive precedent.
The CIOB Planning Protocol 2021 (CIOB PP21), a technical information sheet published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in February 2021, defines a major project as: ‘A project where the construction works are estimated to cost at least £10 million pounds sterling.’
In July 2021, the IPA published an updated routemap for novel or complex major projects. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-infrastructure-delivery-project-initiation-routemap
NB Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, published in October 2021 by HM Government, suggests: 'Major projects are defined as those which: require spending over and above departmental expenditure limits; require primary legislation; and are innovative or contentious.'
See also: Standard project.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Departmental Expenditure Limits DELs.
- Efficiency and Reform Group.
- Government Construction Strategy.
- Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
- Infrastructure UK.
- Major development.
- Major project construction contract.
- Major projects authority
- Nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- Standard project.
Featured articles and news
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this.