黑洞社区

Multiplex will be in the High Court again on 9 October to find out whether it can overturn an adjudication against a Wembley subcontractor and prevent further delays to the stadium.

Multiplex and its M&E subcontractor Honeywell are in dispute over a decision to allow the subcontractor 鈥渢ime at large鈥�, which frees it from a contractual completion date, and increased the risk of an even later completion.

Multiplex鈥檚 legal representatives appeared at the Technology and Construction Court for a pre-trial review on Tuesday.

The flurry of activity comes as the Australian construction group signalled that it will pull out of third-party client work and, as a result, is parting company with Martin Tidd, managing director of the construction arm. It is also making a round of redundancies.

Tidd said: 鈥淲e had a gap in the revenues and either we had to look for more third-party work or just concentrate on the integrated model [whereby Multiplex builds only for its own property developments]. I鈥檓 disappointed but I鈥檝e got over that and am now concentrating on restructuring the business.鈥�

Tidd added that he wanted to see through the Wembley project and reach financial close on a PFI hospital project in Peterborough.

He said: 鈥淭he change in strategy must be done smoothly and be respectful of people.鈥�

He added that redundancies would follow as the group moved to new head offices. He said: 鈥淭he consequences of changing the business model will be that we will need a smaller head office.鈥�

He would not be drawn on how many would leave but did say that he had brought 150 staff to the business.

At the High Court review meeting this week, Mr Justice Jackson gave the parties leave to amend their pleadings by next Wednesday. During the three-day trial Multiplex will argue that Honeywell is not entitled to the 鈥渢ime at large鈥�.

Multiplex will also appear in the High Court next Thursday to defend claims made by Wembley National Stadium Limited. The client has been awarded more than 拢20m by adjudicators.