Constructing Quality Places

Getting construction right is vital if the hard work that has been put in through policy, design and planning is to deliver successful places. High-quality construction will be supported through:

• Resources and commitment – the original design tem should be retained to advise contractors and those monitoring construction as required
• Clear guidance on required quality standards
• Effective management and enforcement tools
• Incentives for contractors to deliver quality

Modern methods of construction can help to improve both the efficiency of construction and the quality of what is built. With good design standard components can be used imaginatively to create attractive and diverse places.

Constructing places of high quality is about more than just the quality of the finish. How the process is managed will affect the quality of life for the early residents. Provision of essential facilities and quick win initiatives aimed at improving the local environment and infrastructure before the start of a major project can help to ease the tensions and reduce the project’s overall impact. Thought should be given to ways of minimising the disruption caused by site works, through means such as phasing the project carefully, and restricting working hours and deliveries.