No Penalty Clause
Last updated : 07 June 2005 By Covsupport
Arena builders Laing O'Rourke will escape any monetry penalties for failing to have the Arena completed on the stated date, it has been revealed.
Not the first choice of builders for the stadium and conference centre complex, Birse were, but pulled out after problems being paid for work done at the Walkers Stadium. Laing O'Rourke along with Coventry City Council and Arena Coventry Limited will face some tough questions as to why there was no security to prevent the fire which caused structural damage and why the light nights have not been maximised so that the project was completed on schedule.
The 19 day delay is almost certain to cast aspersions as to the ability of the construction company to be able to deliver on time and could mean curtains for the ruling Conservative party in Coventry who were originally against the project.
Financially, the Sky Blues will be the losers out of this sorry and embarrassing episode by not being able to stage a big friendly to open the Arena and by facing the prospect of playing their first three games away from home.
