The overwhelming success of the London Olympics has set the bar for Rio 2016, meaning that organisers are facing a high amount of pressure to complete all development works before international athletes and representatives begin flying in to the city. However, they also set a precedent for other sporting events held within the UK – with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow the first to face scrutiny next year.
Unfortunately, there has already been a slight snag in preparations as it transpires that a £44 million hotel-based development in the East End of the city will not be finished in time for the opening ceremony. As a result, a war of words has broken out between the developer and the Council, both of whom blame the other party for the failure to work to a strict deadline.
Kevin Fawcett is representing developers PIP Asset Management in negotiations regarding the project, which is known as the Arena Retail and Leisure Park. Expressing his frustration, he claims that the Council has failed to provide the paperwork necessary to begin construction work on the site.
He said; “This complex is fully funded and 95 per cent pre-let, including a deal with Tulip Inn for the hotel.
“Our investors are saying ‘Let’s go’ and are totally ready to begin work – however, they can’t proceed until they get essential paperwork, standard documentation, from the Council saying the site is clean or, if it is not clean, that there are warranties for it.
“The fact the council can’t give us this necessary paperwork is very sad and very strange.”
The council, on the other hand, claims a delay in payment for the land is the reason the 160 room hotel and leisure complex is behind schedule.
A spokesman said; “The developer has committed to buy the land and the payment has been overdue for some time.
“There are no reports, warranties or any other paperwork about decontamination the developer needs that would prevent him from paying the council for land.”
As in most cases of this nature, there are two sides to the story and the true version of events is bound to come out in due time. However, it can only be hoped that this setback will not cast a black cloud over Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games legacy.
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