Public project definition
The term 'public project' is an ambiguous one, but in very broad terms, it refers to a project that is financed by a government and is typically owned, and may be operated by the government. This can include major infrastructure works such as roads, bridges, dams, railways, tunnels, and so on, or public facilities such as hospitals, schools, prisons, libraries, leisure centres, and so on.
As public projects are generally funded by tax revenue, they are typically subject to a greater level of scrutiny, and greater transparency is required in the bidding and contract award procedures. Public projects often publish their requirements and request bids openly, with received bids considered in an open and transparent way. The government can also stipulate certain criteria that a supplier must fulfil in order to be awarded a public contract, such as; minimum wage levels, reporting procedures, and so on.
The European Union Procurement Directives establish public procurement rules throughout the European Union which apply to any public purchases above the defined thresholds. Public projects must comply with the regulations if the value of contracts is above those thresholds. Private projects may also be required to comply with the regulations if they are publicly subsidised.
See OJEU procurement procedures for more information.
In the UK, a public building is narrowly defined as a building that is 'occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public'. See Public building definition for more information.
Designing Buildings Wiki has an outline work plan setting out the tasks necessary to complete a public project, which you can find here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Build lease transfer BLT.
- Centrally procured public projects.
- Complex project.
- Construction project.
- Construction project funding.
- Crown build.
- Crown Representative.
- Government Construction Strategy.
- National Infrastructure Plan.
- Net zero commitment will be required for major government contracts.
- OJEU procurement procedures.
- Private developer scheme.
- Private Finance Initiative.
- Procurement route.
- Public.
- Public authority.
- Public building definition
- Public contract.
- Public Private Partnership.
- Public procurement.
- Public sector.
- Transforming Public Procurement Green Paper.
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.