JCT Target Cost Contract 2024 now released

Welcome to the latest edition of our construction newsletter. In this edition we cover:

The final contract to be released in the JCT 2024 suite, the JCT Target Cost Contract.
The recent landmark judgment handed down by the Supreme Court in the case of URS v BDW.
Our review of the case of Vitsoe Ltd v Waugh Thistleton Architects Ltd relating to an architect’s liability in a construction management project.
Key considerations in respect of letters of reliance.

Read our latest construction articles and guides

JCT Target Cost Contract 2024 released – an overview

Completing the publication of its 2024 suite of contracts, the Joint Contracts Tribunal's (JCT) Target Cost Contract 2024 has now been released. In this article, we explore the operation of the payment mechanism in the JCT Target Cost Contract, draw some comparisons with the New Engineering Contract (NEC) form of target cost contract and highlight some key considerations for using this contract in practice.

URS v BDW – Supreme Court hands down landmark judgment

On 21 May 2025, the Supreme Court handed down judgment on the appeal brought in URS Corporation Limited v BDW Trading Limited and rejected all four grounds of appeal. In this article, we review the background to the case and the court's decision on each of the four grounds of appeal.

Key takeaways on an architect's liability for water ingress in construction management projects

In the Vitsoe Ltd v Waugh Thistleton Architects Limited case, Vitsoe pursued a claim against their architect for negligence arising from services in the design and construction of its new headquarters. In this article we examine the court’s reasoning in finding that the architect did not fail in its duties, and was under no obligation to advise on the protection for the works during construction.

Letters of reliance for land buyers – 'rely' on them at your peril without prior checks

In this article we highlight the importance of letters of reliance and their minimum requirements, as well as outlining the types of typical limitation clauses often found in these documents. We also provide advice for land buyers when reviewing a consultant’s underlying appointment and negotiating a letter of reliance.