Troubled Bath Spa won't open for another year

The beleaguered £40m Bath Spa scheme will not be reopened for nearly another year, QS News has learnt. The long-awaited finish date of Easter 2006 is due to be set by the scheme's new project manager, Capita Symonds, today.

QS News understands the firm will submit a report laying out a rescue plan for the project to client Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes) today, which will set out a timetable for the work required to remedy technical problems that have beset the project. The scheme was originally scheduled for completion in 2002 (see timeline below).

Capita Symonds was appointed to draw up a rescue plan for the scheme following the sacking of contractor Mowlem last month.

The firm concluded its audit of the site on Tuesday (10 May). Following today's report, 12 new works contracts will be put out to tender. BANES is set re-engage a number of subcontractors, as well as replace others.

Budget surprise

Jonathan Goring, director at Capita Symonds, said the cost of the project would be announced shortly and would "raise few eyebrows". It is believed that the final figure will be in the region of £40m – almost four times the original budget of £13m.

Goring added that Capita Symonds had made a break-through on the reparation of the spa's famously leaking floor, but would not reveal the solution. The firm has consulted a wide range of experts in the UK and abroad.

Capita Symonds, also the scheme's contract administrator, is following a new approach to procurement for the project under which the client will have direct control of the contractors. Banes has also combined the roles of contract administrator, previously held by architect Grimshaw, and project manager, formerly held by Gardiner & Theobald.

A number of snagging jobs were identified during the audit, according to Nicole O'Flaherty, councillor responsible for the Spa. She cited chipped paint and damaged door handles. "Before, it was Mowlem's building,” she said. “Only now have we been able to get onto the site and see the wear and tear from the work that's been going on. We’ve had to look at the building with a magnifying glass.”

Capita Symonds is part of a team that will project manage the redevelopment of Dublin rugby stadium, Landsdowne Road. The consortia also includes Franklin + Andrews and Irish firm Project Management. A consortium including HOK Sport and Buro Happold is handling the design of the new stadium.