T&T Leicester deal at risk

The scheme’s cost has almost doubled since its inception in 2002, from £26m to £44m, and its opening date has been pushed back from 2006 to 2008.

Turner & Townsend has acted as cost consultant for client Leicester council since December 2002.

A spokeswoman for the council said a change of administration, from Labour to a Liberal Democrat/Conservative coalition, had prompted a reassessment of the project. She said the council, under new Liberal Democrat leader Roger Blackmore, was “considering the final designs” and would decide shortly whether or not to drop the scheme.

Speaking last week, Leicester council’s Blackman said of the reassessment: “We are committed to the performing arts centre, but not at any price. The people expect value for money in all the council does, the performing arts centre included.”

The theatre and performing arts complex would replace the Haymarket Theatre and provide facilities to incorporate the live work currently presented at the Phoenix Arts Centre.

It would be located in the new Cultural Quarter Leicester council is developing with a range of stakeholders and partners in the St George’s area of the city.

The people expect value for money in all the council does

Leicester council

New York-based architect Viñoly’s past achievements include the Tokyo International Forum and the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Turner & Townsend has called the Leicester scheme “one of the most significant theatre developments taking place in Britain in the 21st century”.

The cost consulting giant claimed it was chosen for the commission because of its experience in museums and arts projects around the world, and in particular on the Museum of 20th Century Art in Milan, Italy, and the Durham Millennium City Project.

Graham Handy at Turner & Townsend, who is assigned to the project, did not return calls before QS News went to press.