Introduction to the Built Environment and Northern Powerhouse Rail Construction

This report discusses the sectors of the built environment, with a focus on the Northern Powerhouse Rail construction project in the UK. It covers the project's background, life cycle, and the professionals and professional bodies involved. Additionally, it explores the benefits of the construction industry to the UK economy and local communities.

INTRODUCTION TO THE
BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
Sectors of built environment and the project...............................................................................3
Northern Powerhouse Rail construction......................................................................................4
Professionals and Professionals bodies involved in Northern Powerhouse Rail construction
project..........................................................................................................................................6
Benefits of construction industry to the UK economy and local communities...........................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Built environment basically refers to the surroundings that are human made and provide
settings for the human activities in particular, ranging in the scales from the parks and buildings
or even the green space that is within the neighbourhoods as well as the cities which often
involve the infrastructure that is supporting like the energy networks or the water supply in
particular (de Valence., 2018). Built environment mainly includes the physical parts in the
regions of living or working of individuals. His environment in particular is a major influence to
the levels of the physical activities of an individual or person. This topic is taken because in the
present environment it is very necessary to give relevance to such a topic. This topic in particular
includes the encompassing of the buildings that the people of the society live in the roads and the
railway lines they use for travelling, the electricity and the water and the other transportation
systems too. Hence, the topic is very essential to be researched as well as evaluated in detail.
And that is what is done in the essay below. This report in particular discusses regarding a
specific project of building of railway lines in the United Kingdom. The project is briefly
discussed in the first segment of the report. Then the sector in which the project that is selected is
categorized in is provided and a detailed background of the project in particular is also given
below. Also, the date of starting of the project and the end of the project is also given below.
Next, it also provides information regarding the project life cycle. The roles as well as the
responsibilities of the professional bodies that were involved in the project in particular and their
contribution in the completion of the overall project is also mentioned below.
MAIN BODY
Sectors of built environment and the project
The construction industry in particular is one of the fastest growing industry that has
grown and developed a lot over the last decade. The construction industry is basically divided
into three major sectors, these sectors are namely, infrastructure, industrial and buildings. The
buildings' construction mainly focuses on the process of the addition of the structures to the areas
of land. Typical activities of construction are undertaken either by the owner or by the person or
governmental body who has compulsorily bought the land from the owner. This construction is
further categorized into non- residential and residential construction. Industrial construction is
comparatively a smaller aspect of the overall construction industry in particular. Industrial
construction mainly involves the off shore construction in particular (Donaubauer. Meyer. and

Nunnenkamp., 2016). Such as mining, chemical processing, mills, power generation, etc.
Infrastructure constructions in particular refers to the construction of the highways, bridges,
railways, public works, etc. It is also known as the heavy or the civil engineering in particular.
All these sectors work in different dimensions of the society. Each of the sectors or the aspects
are equally important or necessary for the individuals living in the society and the companies or
the businesses that work in the society or the environment as well.
The Northern Powerhouse Rail construction project is a very big project in the history of
construction industry of the United Kingdom in particular (Raikes., 2019). This a major and very
essential rail programme that is designed for the purpose of substantial enhancement of the
economic potential of Northern England. This programme is regarding the new as well as the
significantly railway lines that require to be upgraded. The major aim of the project was to
transform the railway services between the towns and the regions that it was covering in the
overall journey of the train.
Northern Powerhouse Rail construction
The project that has been selected in particular which is Northern Powerhouse Rail
construction project comes under the infrastructure construction in particular. This is because the
project is related to the construction of the railway tracks and the development or the
enhancement of the overall rail services that is provided in the regions as well as the towns that it
covers in particular (Martin. and Gardiner, 2018). This is the reason why it is categorized under
the infrastructure construction specifically. The project mainly aims at improving the public
transportation facilities and the journey times in between the major cities that are located in
Northern England in particular. The railway connections before the project started were slow and
improvisation was required necessarily. The construction of this railway line will support or
allow the commuters to be able to travel more freely to work and will also allow these cities to
become one big economy and further compete together rather than having competition against
each other. This will not only help the individuals but also help in the enhancement of the
economic conditions of the United Kingdom which will further lead to better society and
lifestyles. Hence, it is not made for a single purpose, it has many reasons to be constructed in
particular.
The project of Northern Powerhouse Rail construction was launched in the year 2016 in
the month of September in particular (Headlam., 2019). The project has been completed in

several aspects but certain aspects are still to be worked upon. Hence, the project is still ongoing.
The ending date of the project which means the estimated year in which the project is stated to
end that is provided by authentic sources is stated to be 2030. The steps or the phases in which a
particular construction project depends upon the sector of the project in particular. In this case,
the project comes under the infrastructure construction in particular. The major phases of the
project in particular are, firstly, the scoping studies, this can also be stated as the planning stage
of the project in particular. In this stage plans regarding the finances used, the inception as well
as the execution of the project are developed. Activities that are involved in this step are
development of aims and the objectives of the project. Preparation of the budget and preparing a
list of resources that are required for the completion of the project in particular. The next step is
to conduct a feasibility study, the activities that are to be done in this are organizing the efficient
as well as proficient human and technological resources for the task, then further providing them
the required resources for effective evaluation procedures and further in accordance to the
requirement of the project select the best and most suitable service providers.
The project life-cycle is basically a sequence in which a particular project is to be
conducted (Heralova., 2017). Majorly there are five stages of a project life- cycle in particular.
These are initiating, then planning, then executing, monitoring and lastly closure of the project.
In the initiation stage of the project life- cycle in particular the project is started or initiated,
which means it is confirmed that the project is going to be conducted and the aims as well as the
objectives of the project are decided and the purposes too. In this project also all these aspects
were considered in the initiation step of the project. Next, is the planning stage or phase, in this
stage the plans regarding the resources required and the budgeting is done. The resources that
were majorly required for this project are human, technological, financial, equipments and other
basic resources. Next, is the execution stage, in this phase the plans that are prepared in the
planning stage are worked upon to be achieved efficiently and the overall project is moved
towards the objectives that are prepared in the initiation stage as well. The execution refers to
starting of the physical activities and tasks in the project, which here means evaluation of the
tracks and construction of the railway lines. Next, is monitoring, which means overviewing at
certain time durations, to check if the project is going in the right direction or not.

Professionals and Professionals bodies involved in Northern Powerhouse Rail construction
project
The involvement of professionals and professional’s bodies play vital role in the
construction projects successful completion, deliverables and milestone achievement. In the
successful completion of Norther Powerhouse Rail construction project, the following
professionals and professional bodies are involved such as:
Project Manager or controller: The project manager or controller is the professionals
involve in the construction that are required to manage and control the each and every phase of
construction life cycle. The various roles and responsibilities of project manager or controller are
as follows:
 They are responsible for developing project strategy, undertaking rail construction
planning, and adopting the methods of project management to optimize future outcomes.
 They are also responsible for scheduling each task and activities of rail construction
projects including development, maintaining and maintenance.
 The role of project manager or controller is to estimate the risk associated with the
construction projects and adopting the ways to minimize the risk such as cost overrun etc.
 They are responsible for earned value management, earned schedule with the use of work
breakdown structure, Gantt chart etc.
Architect: The architects are also professional artists which involve in the construction of
Northern Powerhouse rail. For example, Royal Institute of British Architects involve in
construction of Northern Powerhouse Rail. The roles and responsibilities of architect are as
follows:
 They are responsible for leading and developing designs of Northern powerhouse rail
from early concept via design development.
 Further, they are also responsible for preparing drawings, construction document as well
as the specification documents of Northern Powerhouse rail.
 The role of architect includes designing of infrastructure projects and consult with the
clients to determine their requirements.
 They also liable to work with the teams during each phase of project life cycle to ensure
the proper designing and construction of Northern Powerhouse rail.

 The architect also modifies plans as per client needs.
Quality Surveyor: The quality surveyor is also a professional person that involve in the
construction of infrastructure projects. For example, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor
(RICS) is the professional body of UK involve in the construction of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The roles and responsibilities of quality surveyor professional and professional’s bodies are as
follows:
 They are responsible for preparing tender and contract documents such as assessing bills
of quantities with the client.
 They are also requiring to undertake cost analysis for repair and maintenance of project
work such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.
 The role of quality surveyor also involves performing risk, value management and lastly
controlling cost.
 To manage the overall quality of material and resources used for rail construction, the
quality surveyor (QS) is responsible.
 The QS is also responsible for maintaining awareness of Northern Powerhouse rail
contract.
Engineer: They are the civil engineers that design and implement the large infrastructure and
buildings projects. For example, the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) is professional body
involve in construction of Northern Powerhouse Rail. The roles and responsibilities of engineers
are as follows:
 They are basically responsible for planning and designing stage of construction of rail
projects.
 They are required to collaborate with the project managers with the aim to preparing
work schedules.
 Their role also includes liaising between the contractors, subcontractors, supplier etc. to
complete the work on time.
 They also require to manage and control the overseeing construction engineering process.

Financial manager or budget planner: The financial budget planner is a professional that
should be involve in the construction projects. The roles and responsibilities of budget or
financial planner within the construction industry are as follows:
 Their primary role of financial manager in construction is to advise the company’s
management to meet financial goals.
 The financial manager is requiring to work with the banks and financial institution with
the aim to arrange the funds for projects.
 Their role also includes working with legal and regulatory issues.
 They are responsible for tracking income and expenses accurately during the whole
process.
 The financial manager of Northern Powerhouse rail is also responsible for monitoring
the key performance indicators as well as analysing the financial trends based on past
data.
 Managing liquidity and cash flow along with preventing the finance from theft and fraud
is the key responsibility of finance manager in construction.
Government advisory body: The government advisory body is also one of the professional’s
bodies that involve in the construction of National Powerhouse Rail infrastructure project. Their
roles and responsibilities are as follows:
 The advisory board are responsible for conducting public sessions and noticed in
accordance with state law.
 They require to act as a resources for executives.
 The government advisory body is also responsible for monitoring the overall
performance of construction project throughout the project life stages.
 It has also responsible for providing proper recommendations such as collaboration
between TfN and HS2.
Benefits of construction industry to the UK economy and local communities
Four social benefits of construction industry to the local community of UK:

 Promoting better living conditions for people: Due to the construction of Northern
Powerhouse rail, the construction company are able to bridge the gap between the people
from one place to another place. This ultimately improves the standard living of people of
UK. For example, with the help of strategic rail program, the government of UK able to
provide effective and efficient rail connectivity between the major economic centres of
North.
 Attracting tourist: The rise of the construction industry provides the benefits of rise in the
tourist all over the country. For example, previously tourist in UK are unable to visit one
central area of Norther UK to another central area. Now with the help of rail program, the
tourists along with people, communities and businesses are easily connecting different
places of North without any difficulty. This is one of the fastest and reliable service
across entire region.
 Community engagement: The construction industry is also beneficial for enhancing the
engagement of businesses in the local community. The impact of which local community
able to achieve its sustainable goals. It also beneficial for building the better relationship
and connection between the construction businesses and local community.
 Reducing greenhouse gases: This is also one of the social benefit of construction
projects to the local community. The local community is highly involving in reducing the
greenhouse gases with the help of which the negative impact of climate change on
environment and health of individual get reduced. For example, the infrastructure project
of Norther powerhouse has benefited in reducing greenhouse gases as clean energy and
public transit can reduce the same. It helps increasing cities resilience to climate change
which further improve health and safety of people living and residing in UK.
Four financial benefits to the construction industry to UK economy:
 Government revenue and GDP contribution: This is also one of the social benefits
which indicate that the construction industry helps in generating the revenue and
economic growth of the country. It means because of the rail project in Northern UK, the
economic growth of UK has increased along with government revenue which they further
used for the welfare of people. The construction industry contributes £90 million to the
UK economy in the year 2021.

 Increases employment rate: The new construction projects also socially beneficially
because it helps in increasing the employment rate of country. For example, because of
the Northern Powerhouse rail project starter in 2013, the employment rate of UK was
increased by 12% in that year. The people living in country get job opportunities because
of construction projects. The industry has provided around 2.93 million jobs to the
individual of UK which is equal to 10% of total UK employment in the year 2021.
 Increase in production and productivity: It is also helpful in increasing the production
and productivity of business goods and products. It is because infrastructure ensures easy
movement of goods which leads to increase in quality goods production.
 Reduce transaction and trade cost: This is also one of the financial benefits that
construction projects or industry provide to the economy of UK. It is because due to the
infrastructure development and rail construction, the country able to move goods and
people from one place to another place in minimal cost. The impact of which the overall
budget expenditure reduces and budget revenue increases which leads to budget surplus.
The trade cost of UK is also reducing due to Northern Powerhouse rail to UK
government which leads to economic development.
CONCLUSION
The purpose of doing this project in particular is the importance built environment has on
the present construction industries of the world in particular. In the current situations this is one
of the most necessary parts that is to be considered by the companies mainly that work in the
construction sector of the society or the environment in particular. The major purpose is also to
impact the environment in a positive manner rather than impacting it in the negative manner.
Which will further lead o moving towards a sustainable society or environment which will
further be beneficial for the natural environment as well as the human beings living in this
environment in particular. The above report mainly discusses regarding the project of Northern
Powerhouse Rail construction that took place in the UK. It was a very big project which
impacted different aspects of the society in different ways. Northern Powerhouse Rail
construction is a railway line between Manchester and Sheffield in particular. The report
basically discusses regarding the sector in which this particular project falls in and the
background of the project. Further the starting and the ending dates of the project are stated in

the report as well. And the project life cycle is also discussed above. Further, the essay has also
summarised the roles and responsibilities of the professional bodies involve in the construction
of Northern Powerhouse rail in UK. The various professional bodies discussed in this essay
include engineer, architect, surveyor, National Infrastructure commission of UK, government,
Manchester city council, project manager, designer etc. In addition, it has been also summarised
the four social as well as financial benefits of construction projects or industry to local
community and economy of UK respectively.

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