Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) building project design development and scope growth
Risk Mechanism
Contracts were awarded before the design was sufficiently developed, while weak change control and the addition of premium features contributed to substantial scope growth, delays, and cost escalation.
Case Summary
Audit Scotland and parliamentary reviews found that Holyrood building contracts were awarded before the design was sufficiently developed, with cost estimates based on incomplete information. Subsequent design changes expanded the project’s scope, delayed delivery, and substantially increased costs.
Risk Lesson
This case demonstrates how major scope growth, delay, and cost escalation can arise when procurement begins before the design has reached sufficient maturity and change control is weak. It highlights warning signs such as incomplete design information at contract award, cost estimates based on immature assumptions, repeated design changes, and the addition of premium features without clear functional justification.
Reference
Audit Scotland. (2004). Management of the Holyrood Building Project. Available from: https://audit.scot/publications/management-of-the-holyrood-building-project