Client and contractor on Colchester arts centre fail to agree price for completing building exterior

The future of Rafael Vi帽oly鈥檚 Colchester Arts Centre has been plunged into further doubt after a crunch meeting between the project鈥檚 client and its main contractor failed to produce a rescue package.

In a meeting last week, Martin Hunt, deputy leader of Colchester council, offered Banner Holdings an undisclosed sum 鈥渢o deliver an externally complete building before April next year鈥�. Work on the scheme, originally due for completion this spring, stalled after it went 拢3m over its 拢16.5m budget.

However, Banner has refused the deal, although Hunt said the difference between the offer and the sum demanded by Banner was 鈥渦nder a million pounds鈥�.

Hunt said: 鈥淲e are now taking a fortnight for all parties to reflect. The funders are meeting on 13 August. I hope we can have a meeting with Banner after that.鈥�

We are taking a fortnight for all parties to reflect on their positions

Councillor Martin Hunt

According to John Drew, UK principal of Rafael Vi帽oly Architects, completing the exterior would entail finishing the double-curved roof and installing large double-glazed panels.

But specialist contractors Richardson Roofing and Eiffel Glazing left the site last year before completing their work. Both said the geometric complexities and distortion in the roof caused installation problems.

Hunt said: 鈥淥nce the exterior is completed we鈥檇 start negotiations on the interior. It鈥檚 frightening how far the cost has escalated.鈥�

Turner & Townsend is the council鈥檚 project manager, cost consultant and contract administrator. Neither T&T nor Banner was available for comment.