With the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and several music festivals around the corner, we’re seeing a familiar trend: pop-up outdoor venues, big screens, temporary filming or broadcasting stages, and tight, high-consequence delivery programmes.
From a legal perspective, these projects are deceptively simple. The build itself is usually straightforward – temporary seating, staging, screens, and ancillary infrastructure.
But the commercial risk profile is very different from a typical construction project and that raises a key question: What is the right form of contract for delivering a temporary installation?
Why these projects are different
Temporary event structures sit somewhere between construction and live event delivery.
They still require:
- design input (even if limited)
- installation and compliance with building and safety regulations
- coordination of multiple contractors
But unlike a traditional build, they also involve:
- a fixed, immovable deadline (kick-off cannot be delayed)
- a live operational period with public attendance
- full dismantling and reinstatement immediately afterwards
- increased third-party and public liability exposure.
Starting point: standard form contracts can still apply
Even for temporary builds, the UK market typically starts with a standard form construction contract – most commonly from the JCT or NEC suites. These forms provide a recognised framework for time, payment, change, and risk allocation. The key is choosing the right level of complexity. We discuss below a few of the options available.
Option 1: JCT Minor Works
The JCT Minor Works Building Contract is widely used for smaller, straightforward construction projects. It is often the default choice
It works well for outdoor cinema-type projects because:
- it is familiar to contractors and consultants
- it provides a complete but relatively light-touch framework
- it is designed for projects where the works are simple in nature
In practice, this is often the path of least resistance during procurement. However, it is important to recognise that it is not designed specifically for temporary event structures. As a result, it typically needs targeted amendments to reflect:
- the importance of the completion date
- the phased nature of the works (install/live/dismantle)
- the temporary nature of the asset
- Insurance responsibilities when in use (between installation and dismantle)
Option 2: NEC4 Short Contract
The NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) is also designed for low-risk, straightforward construction works.
Its appeal lies in its simplicity:
- fewer administrative layers than full NEC contracts
- clear, structured approach to scope and pricing
- intended for projects that do not require sophisticated management technique.
For clients already familiar with NEC, this can be a good fit. That said, in an event context it is less commonly used and may require more bespoke drafting to deal with issues such as:
- operational use during the event
- public-facing risks
- interactions with other event suppliers
Option 3: Bespoke short-form agreement
A third approach – and one we increasingly see on event-driven projects – is a bespoke short-form construction contract. Short-form contracts are designed to capture the essential commercial terms in a concise format, focusing on scope, price and programme while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
For example, if the goal is to were to set up an outdoor cinema to watch the World Cup, this can be attractive because it allows parties to focus directly on the key risks:
- “ready-to-open” obligations by a fixed date
- responsibility for dismantling and clear-up
- coordination with AV, catering and event operators
- potential cancellation or change scenarios
The trade-off is that more thought is required upfront to ensure the contract remains robust and compliant with statutory requirements.
Where the real value lies
In our experience, the form itself matters less than how it is applied to the project. For temporary event works, particular attention should be given to:
Completion risk: when the works must be complete and what happens if they are not. Unlike most projects, delay here often has immediate commercial consequences. There will be little or no opportunity to remedy a significant defect while the event is going ahead and after the event, it will be too late.
Programme and access: event builds are typically carried out in constrained windows, often alongside other contractors. Requiring clarity of access rights, sequencing, responsibility for co-ordination.
Dismantling and reinstatement: this is often underplayed. The contract should clearly define the obligation to remove all temporary works; the standard of making good the site; when this must be completed
Insurance and liability: temporary structures hosting the public carry a different level of exposure. The contract should align with appropriate public liability cover, responsibility for temporary works, and sensible liability caps in context. Consider whether indemnities for breach should be included because of the importance of being able to recover any losses.
Final thought
Temporary projects often move quickly, and there can be a temptation to “keep the paperwork light”.
But these are precisely the projects where a missed date, a coordination issue or an unclear responsibility can have an immediate and visible impact.
A short, well-focused contract that reflects how the project will be delivered is often the best way to ensure everything runs smoothly – from first installation to final whistle.
