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
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
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.