Bristol Arena delayed after contractor price talks break down
by Matthew Campelli | 16 Jan 2017
An alternative contractor is now being sought to complete the arena / Populous
Credit: PA Images
– Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
The opening of the hotly-anticipated Bristol Arena will be delayed by two years after the relationship between the main contractor and the council broke down over cost.
According to a statement made by Bristol City Council, the local authority and Bouygues UK decided to “part ways” as a “price cannot be reached”.
Last April, it was revealed that the Populous-designed venue – which is going to be used for sport and entertainment events – was scheduled to open in 2018 after the council gave the proposal the green light.
However, work is now only expected to begin in spring 2018, with autumn 2020 earmarked as rough date for its opening.
The development is expected to cost £92m (US$111.1m, €104.9m).
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said that while he “reluctantly accepted” that an agreement between the parties would not be reached, he was “committed to getting the arena built”.
“It remains closer than it has ever been,” added Rees. “We have the design, the planning permission, the operator and the momentum.
“I firmly believe that we can and will build the arena Bristol deserves but this has to be for the right price. We have made a lot of progress and are now seeking an alternative contractor to build the arena as soon as possible.”
Bristol Arena Marvin Rees Bristol venue development16 Jan 2017
Bristol Arena delayed after contractor price talks break down
15 Apr 2016
Populous-designed Bristol Arena given the green light
02 Dec 2015
Bristol Arena proposals submitted to the council
17 Mar 2015
Populous chosen to design UK's Bristol Arena
30 Jan 2015
Bristol Arena designs revealed
08 Jan 2015
SMG and Live Nation to manage Bristol Arena
14 Nov 2014
Shortlist announced for £90m Bristol Arena
13 Aug 2014
Design competition launched for UK's £90m Bristol Arena
17 Mar 2014
Bristol close to securing dedicated indoor arena
04 Apr 2005
BWA chosen for £150m Arena
24 Nov 2003
Bristol Arena: site demolition complete
FEATURE: CLAD people – Mike Trice and George Ferguson
FEATURE: Architecture – A venue for all seasons
The opening of the hotly-anticipated Bristol Arena will be delayed by two years after the relationship between the main contractor and the council broke down over cost. According to a statement made by Bristol City Council, the local authority and Bouygues UK decided to “part ways” as a “price cannot be reached”. Last April, it was revealed that the Populous-designed venue – which is going to be used for sport
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