Nevertheless, they must satisfy the needs of their immediate users, and their success or otherwise in doing this will in large part be a function of the consultation that takes place between the Users, the Facilities and Services Division, Architect, and the Project Manager or Builder. Information is collected by the Director, Facilities and Services in discussion with Deans, Directors and heads of Budget Units. Overall needs and priorities are considered by the University Executive taking into account such factors as the University s Strategic Plan, future space requirements, the availability of outside funding and the condition of existing facilities. The development of the Plan is an iterative process with the final version subject to the consideration and approval of the Council on the recommendation of the Finance Committee and advice from the Buildings and Grounds Committee. In most cases it is because a decision about a firm University commitment is not required at a particular time, bearing in mind that the Plan is for ten years.
Detailed planning can commence.
The third milestone is approval to proceed with construction. This decision is made by the Director, Facilities and Services, provided that there are no significant variations to either the user brief or to the budget. Where either of these variations occur, the project needs to be reassessed by the University Executive who may then decide, where appropriate, to involve the Finance Committee. It should be noted that all University works are also subject to approval by relevant external authorities. In the case of design and siting, in most cases it is the National Capital Authority.