Laing O'Rourke cancer centre job pauses over costs talks

A major cancer centre has paused work on a Laing O’Rourke project while the client and contractor agree costs for a new building.

The Wirral-based Clatterbridge Cancer Trust said that piling had finished on its new cancer centre in Liverpool, and equipment used in the work had been removed, but said it was not in a dispute with O’Rourke, which is working on the £106m project.

A spokeswoman for the Trust said O’Rourke had made a cost submission, which was being reviewed in conjunction with the firm, but said “we are not in dispute” with the company.

In a statement the Trust went on: “The Trust took possession of the site in Liverpool in August 2016 and this allowed Laing O’Rourke to undertake site investigation and clearance works. They were subsequently instructed to undertake the first phase of piling and to move forward with site set up.

“This work has now largely been completed and the piling equipment used in this process has been removed from the site.

“We have recently received the target cost submission from Laing O’Rourke and the Trust, together with its advisors, is currently reviewing its contents in conjunction with Laing O’Rourke.

“It is important that the final costs which we agree with the contractor represent value for money for the Trust and for the taxpayer and we do not intend to instruct further work until we are confident that we have agreed a figure which delivers this.” 

Laing O’Rourke said it was a matter for the client and declined to comment.