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
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.