Successfully managing capital projects

Written by Bill Ferris OBE DL, with thanks to Artelia. Based on the experience of the AIM Biffa Award National Heritage Landmark Partnership Scheme Projects

Capital projects that involve heritage sites and buildings, frequently face unexpected challenges and more uncertainty than normal projects. Managing these, alongside all the ‘normal’ challenges of a capital project is a significant undertaking.

The organisations supported by AIM Biffa Award learnt a great deal about project management in the course of their work and this guide shares some of that learning.

Capital projects are exhilarating, exhausting, exciting, demanding and all consuming! For most organisations the project is a
means to an end not an end in itself.

Alongside delivering the capital project you will be researching and preparing your collections for new exhibitions, fundraising, developing new marketing materials, planning new ways of delivering your operations etc. so that when the
contractors move out, the “home team” is ready to make a success of the finished project. Doing all of this, and possibly
keeping your museum open throughout, is extremely demanding – but this guide will help make sure you will have the people and budgets you need to make a success of your completed project.

Download successfully managing capital projects (opens in a new tab)

Sign up to our newsletter

* indicates required
Tick to also receive the Trustees newsletter
Marketing Permissions

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Association of Independent Museums:

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

Join AIM: We support and provide practical help to independent museums

Be part of a thriving community

Grow your network, attend events, learn from like-minded people and share your knowledge with our community.

Save money and get funding

Apply for AIM member grants, get discounts, special offers, promotions etc.

Get additional support from experts

Our team of consultants and mentors can help you.
Become a member From as little as £71 a year

Already a member? Make the most of your benefits.