Boosting digital transformation of local authority construction projects

A new tool from the Construction Innovation Hub launches today 13 May to help local authorities to transform how they design, build and use their buildings digitally.

The Local Authority Government Soft Landings (GSL) Interactive Navigator has been developed in association with the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF) and the Local Government Association (LGA) to help councils to get the most out of their buildings and estates.

The GSL framework asks and answers key questions about how a building or asset will be used to ensure that user needs are central to the design and construction process. It also supports a smooth transition (soft landing) between design and construction teams and the people that operate and use public buildings and facilities.

David Philp, Construction Innovation Hub’s Digital Impact Director said:

Government Soft Landings (GSL) is all about a focus on the long-term use and performance of an asset which is especially important for local councils who manage a complex portfolio of buildings and assets and have to consider value for money for the taxpayer as well as delivering on their commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

“GSL is fundamental to maintaining the ‘golden thread’ of a facility’s purpose by aligning the interests of those who commission, design and construct an asset with those who use and maintain it. The approach supports greater collaborative work, best practice and shared learnings throughout the supply chain so all partners embrace a whole-life mindset, and are working to a shared goal of putting people’s needs at the heart of construction. Whole-life value is at the heart of these projects and at the very core of the Government Soft Landings (GSL) approach as its guidance puts the end user at the heart of the planning, design and construction process.”

Keith Heard, Chair of NACF, said:

The need to improve the value offered by our construction activities is a key objective of the Local Government Soft Landings strategy. GSL can help to transform the briefing design, construction and handover process, to maintain a ‘golden thread’ of a public building or facility’s purpose and also enables structured monitoring of performance standards during delivery and facility operation. This interactive process map will help you to practically apply GSL on your project.”

The GSL navigator is supported by a suite of tools developed by our Local Authorities Working Group to enable digital transformation in local authorities. Find out more about the BIM Early Steps Roadmap and other tools for local authorities at www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/localauthorities

Further Information 

• To contact the Construction Innovation Hub’s press office, please email pressoffice@constructioninnovationhub.org.uk.
• Learn how a digital approach to information management can help your local authority in our film introducing the benefits of digital information management.
• The BIM Early Steps Roadmap and Toolkit takes local authorities through the steps to act to create a proof of concept trial for your authority
• The Local Authority Government Soft Landings Interactive Navigator was previewed at a webinar introducing our suite of tools and support for local authorities with UK Construction Week on 23 March. Watch the presentations to find out how managing your estates data digitally leads to better decision making, planning, reporting and impact.