Sharing London 2012 knowledge: ICE meets Louise Hardy, the London 2012 Infrastructure Director for CLM.
So, Louise, what aspects of the project have you been involved with?
I was the Infrastructure Director for CLM (a consortium of CH2M Hill, Laing O'Rourke and Mace), the Delivery Partner appointed by the ODA [Olympic Delivery Authority]. Our role was to programme and project manage the construction of the venues and infrastructure. I was responsible for the delivery of five major sub-programmes valued at nearly £2 billion. Health and safety, environment and sustainability and equality and inclusion were also key to my role.
Louise Hardy BSc [Hons] CEng FICE EurIng
London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games Infrastructure Director
What did your role entail?
I led a team of around 200 people and worked on everything from ground remediation, over 50 structures and bridges, 12km of highways, nearly 300km of utility diversions and connections and new landscaping…to name a few! I also created our schedule, and made sure we stuck to it.
What has it meant to you to be part of the Olympic Games?
Winning the bid to become the ODA’s delivery partner (the first of its kind) was beyond expectations. To me, the mix of engineering, complex programme management and this huge sporting event was a very exciting combination. It’s been an unforgettable experience.
What has been the most rewarding or memorable aspect?
Out of everything, I think I’m most proud of my involvement with health and safety [H&S], and the results that we achieved. We developed a strategy that truly changed the H&S culture. Seeing it all come together, and flowing down through to the 12,000 workers on site was really rewarding.
What was your biggest challenge?
Now that’s a tough one! I’d say it was probably keeping pace with changing requirements, and still delivering on time – there is was a very immovable end date after all! In total, there were over 250 works contracts; nearly 100 key contractors and over 850 critical suppliers. And with all those people involved, there were a multitude of contract changes. As you can imagine, integration was absolutely vital as the actions of one would have a knock-on effect on many others. All spatial, construction and contractual clashes had to be resolved by CLM, so it was a busy role to say the least.
Did you learn any new skills from working on the Olympic project?
I learnt so much from this project. It was a real experience to see how setting targets and challenging industry norms got such positive results. It was amazing to see how the ODA’s H&S agenda drove collaboration and how much creativity and innovation was inspired by the environment and sustainability guidelines. There were pools of talent drawn into the construction industry from previously untapped areas because of the equality and inclusion themes...all of this together really enriched the London 2012 project experience.
Do you think people now see civil engineering in a new light?
Yes, I really do. If you think back to what the media were saying, say, six years ago, not many believed that the Olympic venues and infrastructure would be provided with style, on time, and on budget.
Seeing the infrastructure rise up from nothing, and evolving into what you see today, it gives you a great sense of accomplishment. Many Olympians have commented in public on these fantastic achievements. Engineers have created theatres of sporting dreams!
What would you say to young people who are considering a career in civil engineering?
I’d say go for it. The Olympic project is a great example of the broad range of career opportunities that exist in civil engineering, and has shown British engineering at its best. If someone wants a career that truly benefits society and has a lasting legacy; then I’d say become a civil engineer!