Wembley National Stadium sceptical about September completion date

Wembley National Stadium Ltd (WNSL) is sceptical of Multiplex's claims that Wembley Stadium will be complete by September.

In a statement issued by Wembley National Stadium Ltd today, chief executive Michael Cunnah said: "It is WNSL's view that, at the current rate of progress, particuarly in light of the extensive testing and commissioning regime that will be required, [completion] is not likely to be achieved until later in the year. Whilst the stadium looks magnificent from the outside, Multiplex still has major items to complete."

Work that remains unfinished includes the roof, remedial works to the drainage system and the installation of seating. WNSL believes that the delays are "Multiplex's responsibility".

However, Multiplex has said in its most recent statement, issued on 3 July, that it remained confident that "practical completion" of works could be achieved in September provided WNSL completed certain of its own works in time.

Multiplex claimed that it is "of the view that the works for which WNSL is responsible may not finish by September 2006 and therefore the date of Practical Completion may be delayed".