Project Circinus

Overview

The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is responsible for delivering the UK’s Trident Missile programme on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Project Circinus, a £110 million high explosive fabrication facility, was critical to this mission. When the constructability of the final structural blast design was questioned, we were appointed to review the project and restore confidence in its feasibility.

The Challenge

Concerns over the blast-resistant structural design created uncertainty around both cost and deliverability. Stakeholders needed assurance that the project remained feasible and could be delivered within budget and schedule. Without intervention, the programme risked cost escalation, delay, and loss of confidence.

Our Approach

We provided decisive direction and programme recovery by:

• Conducting a critical review of the design and procurement strategy.

• Recommending an alternative design solution that included a relaxation of certain client requirements.

• Proposing a revised procurement approach better aligned to delivery objectives.

• Directing the new design team and contractor to implement the revised programme.

The Outcome

The project was successfully re-baselined, achieving a 20% reduction in both construction cost and schedule. Our intervention restored stakeholder confidence in the feasibility and delivery of this critical defence facility.