Bath Spa pools get new epoxy coating

Resurfacing work started yesterday (Tuesday) on the four pools of the £26m Bath Spa project, following an eight-month delay.
As revealed in CJ last week, Dutch subcontractor Bovitec Bouchemie has been awarded the contract to provide a two-part Krautoxin epoxy paint coating after work stopped on site last August when the newly applied Toughseal paint surface started to flake.
The work should be finished in August, with completion for the project expected in the autumn - two years later than planned.
However, insiders have told CJ there is now an "air of real anxiety" over the project, with the threat of legal action growing between Mowlem and client Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) Council.
Liability for £7m in costs caused by the delays has yet to be apportioned.
BANES claimed it had a "good case" to put through the courts against Mowlem over problems with the preparation and application of the original paint on the pools. Mowlem has pointed the finger of blame at the project's architect, Grimshaw & Partners, for specifying the paint.
"Negotiations are tense and nobody wants to put a foot wrong now," a source said. "BANES is sure it is not in the wrong. Some feel that tactics by both parties have become a bit childish."
In a statement, Mowlem said it would not be held responsible or shoulder any risk for failure in performance of the design, the paint or Bovitec following the subcontractor's appointment by BANES.
Mowlem said it had been paid "£1m on account against claims made by the contractor under the building contract" by BANES. The first 50% of this has already been paid with the remaining money expected this week.
A BANES spokeswoman said Mowlem had been paid the money to get on with the work and the payment did not represent an admission that it gives credence to the contractor's claims.