Project Overview: The East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) was part of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP), aimed at improving junctions and constructing new roundabouts at the A6120 and A61 junctions, along with a new 7km dual carriageway link to junction 46 of the M1. The project was procured under an NEC3 Option C contract, divided into three phases, with a combined contract value of £137m.
Client: Leeds City Council
Location: Leeds
Start Date: 2018-2022
Contract Value: £137m
Key Responsibilities:
- Commercial Management Team Assembly: Assembling a capable commercial management team was crucial for both the procurement and post-contract management phases. This team was tasked with ensuring all financial and contractual aspects were meticulously managed throughout the project’s lifecycle.
- Procurement Management: The team handled all pre-contract duties, including drafting, negotiating, and finalising contracts with the main contractor. This phase was critical to laying a solid foundation for the project’s execution.
- Post-Contract Management: After the contracts were awarded, the team continued to manage all post-contract activities, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, overseeing project progress, and managing any arising issues effectively.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Complex Project Phases: Challenge: Managing a project split into three distinct phases required careful coordination and detailed planning. Solution: Implemented a phased approach to ensure each segment of the project was managed efficiently, with clear milestones and deliverables.
- Large Contract Value: Challenge: The high combined contract value of £137m required stringent financial oversight. Solution: Assembled an experienced commercial management team to handle financial tracking, budgeting, and cost control throughout the project.
Outcome:
The project was a success, with the team successfully appointed to carry out all pre and post-contract management duties. The thorough preparation and effective management of both procurement and post-contract phases ensured that the project progressed smoothly and met all key objectives.
This case study highlights the importance of assembling a skilled management team, meticulous planning, and effective coordination in handling large-scale infrastructure projects.