Buckingham picks up delayed £40m Brighton stadium

Buckingham Group has shimmied past Sir Robert McAlpine and Barr to pick up a £40m contract to build a new stadium for Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

But the club announced that the stadium's opening has been put back by another year to August 2011.

Club chairman Dick Knight admitted the delay was a "big disappointment" but blamed factors beyond Brighton's control such as updated and new planning applications which needed to be passed because of new legislation.

He added: "It is obviously disappointing, but in a climate where major building projects are being cancelled, we are in a position where the board has the confidence to proceed."

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "They were competing against two other contractors who were also well equipped to undertake the contract, and all underwent a rigorous competitive tender process - but it was Buckingham who convinced us that they are the best team for the job.

"We congratulate them on winning the contract and look forward to working with them, turning our dream into a reality."

Buckingham Group has previously built the 30,000-seat MK Dons stadium. Work will begin in December.