Word on the ground is not much better. For a venue due to be open this month, there's still an awful lot of mud on the ground and water leaking from all over the place, so don't hold your breath to see the Rolling Stones play the Stadium's inaugural gig in August. It's well known that the steelworkers Cleveland Bridge ended up in court with Multiplex overpayment issues and it seems that the contractors who took over are a little unhappy with the design they've inherited: apparently, a couple of the directors have resigned as they do not feel that the arch will support the roof, and the latest rumour is that the company has pulled out all together.
And the problems are not only limited to metalwork. Word has it that one side of the stadium is four inches lower than the other, forcing the glazing company to go away and re-cut half the glass for the exterior (which in modern architectural fashion is all concrete and glass); also that the electrical contractor's employees are all being paid direct, because the contractor is another going to the 'Multiplex fixed price contract' wall. This is in line with the rumours that abound from Australia, from whence Multiplex come.
So, do you think London is prepared for the Olympics? Can you really imagine the Olympic committee turning round in 2012 and saying 'Well, in view of the delays, we've booked Birmingham . . .' Somewhat ashamedly, we think not.
James Eade
