Bristol City Council has warned that ongoing concerns over costs could delay the construction of a new multi-purpose arena in the English city by more than three years.
Last month, the Bristol Post newspaper reported that the much-delayed project may not be completed until 2019, with Mayor Marvin Rees citing issues over cost and contracts as the main reason behind the hold-up.
However, the City Council has said it is yet to finalise plans with the contractor in regards to the cost of the scheme, adding that the delay could be longer than first thought. Bristol is one of the largest cities in the UK to not have a major arena to host indoor events.
“The project has expanded and we are looking at improving works at the back of Temple Meads station and around Cattle Market Road,” a council spokesperson said. “The original aim was to take a report to council this autumn but that is more likely to happen in the New Year.
“There are additional pressures on the scheme in terms of the cost. We need to make sure that we deliver an arena that we can afford.”
A leading Bristol businessman, who asked not to be identified by the newspaper, hit out at the council for not appointing a construction specialist to assist with the project.
He said: “The way these things work is that during the negotiation stage a budget is set. The margins are always tight but when changes are made to original designs, that is when the costs start to go up. That is the way the construction industry works.
“It is vital to have someone with knowledge and expertise to oversee a project like this. Building companies are looking for reasons to increase the cost. If you don't have the right people in place it would like lambs to the slaughter."
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