Shrewsbury Quantum Leap report findings revealed

The council inherited project originally expected to cost around £200,000 from Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council in April 2009.

During its construction a number of difficulties relating to the costs and timescales of the project were experienced.

In the summer of 2009, problems occurred on the alignment of the ribs which did not follow the correct trajectory to complete the arch, which had to be corrected. The work caused a delay to the overall project, which resulted in additional costs being incurred.

The project was completed in March 2010, a disagreement followed between the contractor and the contract administrator regarding the causes of the problems.

As neither side could agree, it was eventually considered by an independent adjudicator who, on 9 July 2011, stated that the delays and additional costs incurred while the structure was being built were due to an inadequate design specification, and that the council was ultimately liable.

The total additional amounts paid to the contractor were £410,000. The cost of professional expert advice and legal fees in taking the case to adjudication was £115,000.

The total cost of the Quantum Leap project ended up at just over £1 million.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for Quantum Leap, said:

“Shropshire Council always takes learning away from any build project and this is no different. We have taken on board the comments as part of the Audit Commission’s report.

“We are extremely disappointed by the adjudicators’ ruling, especially as the design specification was developed by the architect appointed by the former Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, prior to Shropshire Council coming into being. However, we have accepted this decision.”

Shropshire Council’s Audit Committee will discuss the findings on Friday 7 December 2012 at 11am.