The project was a major event for the Council. They created a new type of facility and were faced with their largest ever capital construction project. The Council were aware of potential risks and took action to address them. They used an appropriate contract strategy, tried to complete the design before they went to tender, and limited client changes during the construction stage. They also undertook the work on the foundations separately in order to avoid delays.
Initial indications are that the users are broadly content with the building.
Nevertheless, despite the Council's efforts, there were significant time and cost overruns, caused primarily by poor project management. The National Audit Office concluded that this project illustrates many important lessons, especially for small organisations not experienced in managing major construction projects. The Natural Environment Research Council is a non-departmental public body established by Royal Charter. The Oceanography Centre was financed by the Council and by the University of Southampton. The Comptroller and Auditor General, Sir John Bourn, is the head of the National Audit Office employing some 750 staff.