multiplex targets wembley finish

Multiplex targets Wembley finish


March 31, 2006 - 10:59AM
Australian construction company Multiplex Group is targeting substantial completion of the UK's Wembley Stadium in by June but has left open the extension of its contract until September.

Multiplex said it had formally advised its client that it was entitled to "substantial and legitimate" extensions of time under the terms of its construction contract until at least September.

"Notwithstanding that it is Multiplex's belief that it has until at least September to complete, Multiplex is targeting substantial completion by end of June," the company said.

While the Wembley project is expected to be substantially complete by the end of June, certain works such as commissioning and cleaning will be completed after this date, Multiplex said.

Multiplex said it did not expect further adjustments to the Wembley project's financial position following additional allowances in the company's latest interim results to cover any further unforseen delays.

But Multiplex's client, Wembley National Stadium, is now considering whether it will wait to start its own works until after its contractor is finished.

Multiplex said Wembley was "solely responsible" for determining when it started and completed its works and when events were hosted in the stadium.

Multiplex had previously assumed an integrated approach where its clients work on the stadium was completed at the same time as its own.

Defects have also been identified in the drainage systems during final inspection.

Multiplex said the defects were being fixed by the responsible sub-contractor and that it had allowed for the works in its forecast program.