The Centre for Project and Facilities Management (CPFM) was formed in 2005. The CPFM replaced the Construction Management and Economics Research Group (CMERG) which had existed in the Department since 1991.

The reasons for setting up the CPFM include:

1. To enhance the Department's ability to host research in project management and construction law because of its physical structure, equipment and academic culture in terms of its complement of academic staff members.
2. To disseminate research findings in project and facilities management and construction law coming from a hot-bed of research activities and a gathering of great research minds.
3. To provide a ballast for a research tradition in project management and construction law as well as the continuity needed to establish a healthy research community.

It was envisaged that the Centre would

(i) create a reputation for the Department as having research expertise and experience in project management and construction law;

(ii) attract good research students and scholars to join the Department of Building to pursue a research degree

(iii) attract external research funding

(iv) develop and conduct Executive courses for the industry