Exclusive: Costing error forces Hull KR stadium delays
Published on Wednesday 24 August 2011 15:00
DELAYS to a new multi-million pound stadium development in Hull were caused by developers under-pricing the project by £750,000.
The £6.4m scheme to develop Hull Kingston Rovers’ ground Craven Park has been beset by problems but was expected to be signed off by the city council early next month so building work could finally start.
However the Yorkshire Post can reveal that it was under-budgeted by several hundred thousand pounds, forcing the project to go back out to competitive tender and raising fears it may not go ahead.
Sources close to the deal said they were shocked to be asked if the additional cost could be taken on board, and now the bidding process will start again.
It is understood that the earliest it will now be approved will be December, and may well be next year.
Hull Council, which is funding the project, said they remain “committed to seeing it through”.
Councillor Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and employment, said: “Although there have been some minor delays, we are fully committed to working with Hull KR on the project. The training and enterprise centre project has been designed taking into account some of the opportunities that could be created from Hull’s ambition to attract investment from, and become a UK centre for, the renewable sector.”
Outline designs suggest the 3,600-capacity stand north stand will provide office space for 40 new start-up businesses as well as housing Sirius business support agency and adult education training.
Despite the problems the club remains confident the stand will be ready in time for the 2013 season with chief executive Mike Smith stating it “remains a top priority”.
“The north stand is a hugely anticipated project and this announcement will, I’m sure, be met with further disappointment and frustration by some of our fans and we share your disappointment to some extent,” he said.
“However, this does need to be put into perspective. In what are still very challenging times economically the council’s commitment towards this project has never been in question and the club has been informed that this still remains the case.
“This is a hugely important project not only for our club and supporters, but for generating new jobs and driving growth in this part of the city.
“Therefore, this venture is one of significant interest and importance.
“As ever, discussions with the council remain positive and a start date of January 2012 is now being worked towards.”
