Wembley: more good news for Cardiff

Multiplex is aiming for substantial completion of its work on Wembley Stadium by the end of June. However, no exact completion date has been confirmed.

Multiplex's latest statement reads: "Previous updates relating to programme have presumed an integrated approach with client’s works being completed simultaneously. Multiplex yesterday received advice from the client that it is now reconsidering whether it will or is able to continue to integrate its works, or whether it will commence these works post completion. Multiplex’s client, Wembley National Stadium Limited, is solely responsible for determining when it starts and completes its works and also when and which events are hosted at the stadium."

Concerts by Bon Jovi and Take That, due to take place in June, have been moved to Milton Keynes. The FA is expected to confirm that the stadium will not be ready to stage any football until next year.

Multiplex's statement makes clear its position on culpability and costs: "Additional Wembley allowances were included in the group’s latest interim results specifically to cover any further unforeseen delays. Based upon the programme noted above, no further adjustments to the project’s financial position are anticipated.

"Multiplex has formally advised its client that Multiplex is entitled to substantial and legitimate extensions of time under the terms of its construction contract which will extend the contract completion date until at least September 2006. Not withstanding 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 statment also gave an update on the rafter and drainage incidents. "The rafter is now being reinstated to its final position, where it will be assessed along with the surrounding elements for any further rectification work. The forecast impact affects the temporary works removal and associated works within the arena. The effects on the arena spread to the completion of the main service road at Basement 1. There are approximately 2,500 roof connections that have been successfully completed. The issues surrounding the incident on this connection are still being investigated and this will address whether the work method statement was appropriately followed by the sub ontractor in this instance.

"During final inspection of drainage systems, defects were identified that are being rectified by the responsible subcontractor as agreed with the consultant team. Multiplex has allowed for these works in its forecast programme. There are approximately 12km of drainage on the project. Approximately 25 discreet locations are being rectified."