Halpin was engaged by Bangor University in January 2020 to review the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre building project. The £50 million Pontio Centre sits at the heart of the Bangor community and delivers on the University’s commitment to the cultural development of the region. It is an incredible building and rightly celebrated by both University and the wider community.
As with all major building projects, it had its challenges, and Bangor University requested that Halpin undertake a review to consider the governance of the project, the flow of decisions, processes and management of the capital project, to identify key learning points to take forward for future capital projects of this kind.
We undertook a thorough examination of all the records relating to the project from conception to delivery, interviewed the key participants in the project from both the University and non-executive functions, funders and representatives of all key stakeholders. The process allowed the University to learn lessons, thank and re-engage key participants, and to show how many areas had already moved forward.
Outcomes:
• Re-engaging with key stakeholders and opinion formers in the region, and a collaborative approach to drawing out key lessons
• Guidance on key learning for all stages of project governance which are now actively in place
• A chance for reflection on strengths and challenges.
• A framework for future projects of this nature.