Miller’s problem theatre job months behind schedule

Miller Construction’s problematic Bangor University theatre job is now set to complete “by the end of November”, three months later than originally scheduled.

Earlier this month the university announced the opening production in the Theatr Bryn Terfel had been pushed back from late September to the New Year because the building wouldn’t be ready.

The theatre, which should have completed in August, is the first phase of a wider Pontio cultural centre being built by Miller.

Since the delay was announced Miller Construction and Bangor University have been undertaking a “detailed review” of the project.

Speaking to Building this week Ken Gillespie, construction chief executive at Galliford Try, which now owns Miller Construction, said the project team was “targeting completion by the end of November 2014” for all phases of the project.

Miller Construction made a loss of £6.2m in the six months to 30 June, which the firm said was due to “continuing delays on a limited number of historic contracts that had been procured competitively on the basis of price”.

It is not clear if the Bangor job is one of the contracts that has contributed to the firm’s loss.

Miller Construction was sold to Galliford Try for £16.6m in July, with Galliford Try saying at the time that Miller Construction.

Last week, Jerry Hunter, pro-vice-chancellor of Bangor University, said: “I am concerned at the continuing delays that are forcing us to cancel performances to the disappointment of us all. The building was due to be completed in sections, with the first section to be ready by 22 August, however we are still waiting for this work to be finished by Miller.”

He added: “There are certainly lessons to be learnt from this but our priority at this moment is on working with the contractor to complete the building, and deliver a high quality artistic opening programme.”