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All building projects, whether new-build or refurbishment schemes, are undertaken on behalf of the University by the Estates Division Programme Delivery Team which comprises building professionals from a variety of disciplines, including architects and engineers. The section works on both Major Projects and Minor Works, either as Project Leaders or in a supportive role.

Major Projects are those that are estimated to cost in excess of £3million and are considered to be capital projects. The University’s Estate Strategy sets out the strategic background for the development of capital projects. These projects are developed and controlled through the Investment Approval Process. All decisions are made by the Planning & Resources Committee (PRC).  The Division's involvement in these projects includes assistance with the business case and carrying out space analysis.

Our Project Leaders take responsibility for the management of their projects from inception to physical and financial completion. For each scheme they will commission the consultant resources needed to develop the design, specification and cost estimates, lead the briefing process with the user department, direct the project team in all matters related to the tender invitation and award of the building contract, and generally manage the interface between the University and the project team, ensuring compliance with University procedures and reporting as appropriate. 

Minor Works projects are those valued at less than £3million, including new buildings, refurbishment and restructuring work, or which improve access for the disabled. Further information on the Minor Works process is provided on the AFPA website. The Projects team undertakes the design development for their particular elements of smaller projects, and commission consultant resources for the design of the remaining elements, and subsequently manage the implementation of the works.

Our Design and Standards Brief (D&SB) provides technical guidelines for the construction and maintenance of University Buildings. It should be applied to all University building projects, including those carried out under the University’s Sites and Buildings Regulations

Some of our current and recently completed major building projects are listed in the menu to the left. Please note that the costs are stated as construction cost (unless otherwise stated) in accordance with industry practice for benchmarking projects. These are those costs incurred by the actual construction works themselves and do not include fees, VAT, Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E), and other costs that make up the total project cost.

Project Delivery Manual 

The University of Cambridge’s Project Delivery Manual (PDM) for major and minor works projects is now available in an interactive and searchable format so that it is easier to use and navigate.  

The PDM is a reference describing the processes, procedures and associated templates required to deliver the University of Cambridge's capital construction projects.  

The PDM is hosted on a SharePoint site that is accessible to Estates Division staff. University staff working on projects, and external consultants working with the university can request access as required. Please send access requests to EMRecords@admin.cam.ac.uk