Galliford withdraws from £6m theatre job

Galliford Try's construction arm has pulled out of a £6m project to build a theatre and conference centre in Wrexham.

The client, Wrexham Council, said that Galliford Try had taken a "commercial decision following issues arising around the cost and programme".

Andy Sturgess, managing director of Galliford's construction division, said: "We haven't "pulled out" because we never started the job. We were selected as preferred bidder, but then Wrexham Council made various changes to the project which it asked us to include after the tender. We did this, but the council didn't agree with our inclusions in terms of time and cost, so we decided not to progress with the project."

The council and the contractor had not signed any binding contract and a start date had not been agreed, a council spokesman revealed.

Wrexham Council is currently talking to the company who put in the second lowest tender.

Councillor Shân Wilkinson said: "We are naturally disappointed that Galliford Try has withdrawn its tender. However, I am confident that another company will be found who will be able to undertake the work. Officers are already talking to the company who submitted the second lowest tender."

The project will see the construction of a 400-seat theatre that will also provide a first class teaching facility for Yale College students and a conference centre. The facility is due for completion in 2005.