The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has launched a series of briefings exploring how Project Speed can improve delivery of hospitals, schools, homes and rail.

The output from four industry roundtables hosted by ACE in partnership with construction firms Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Reds10, as well as Network Rail and housebuilder Thakeham, the briefings explore how the industry can meet aspirations to deliver “faster, better and greener”.

Taking inspiration from the rapid delivery of NHS Nightingale hospitals, the briefings explore practical steps that need to be taken to unlock delivery. Case studies shared from across the UK demonstrate the tangible measures that can already be taken to make Project Speed a reality.

Common themes that emerge from the four briefings on rail, homes, hospitals and schools include:

• Strengthening the evidence base and use of data in project development and decision making;
• The digitising of previously paper-based process such as planning consultations, assurance and approvals processes;
• Focusing projects on a new approach to value-based decision making which goes beyond the purely financial;
• A recognition that making time for good design can significantly improve health, education, housing and transport outcomes.

Hannah Vickers, chief executive of ACE said: “I have no doubt that we have the vision, creativity, and problem solving skills to meet the Project Speed challenge head-on, which is why we brought the industry together for our roundtables.

“The briefings will form the basis of our engagement with Westminster over the coming weeks and months as we reinforce the message that our members, and the industry more widely, are key partners for government if Project Speed is to become a reality.”

The industry roundtable discussions covered a range of issues that are seen as vital to speeding up delivery in each sector:

Hospitals: Programmes rather than distinct projects, project sequencing and early detailed design, and digital design models.

Schools: More collaborative and value driven design and procurement, how a product mindset is needed to deliver with Modern Methods of Construction, and making use of live ‘performance’ data.

Homes: The importance of the planning regime to this debate, how to create a sustainable vision, digitising the process to speed-up delivery, and the use of design codes and guides.

Rail: How to best focus design on the start of projects, the role of the design integrator and a ‘one team’ approach, and how digital approaches lead to more efficient assurance.

Click here to download the four Project Speed briefings.