Zorba
March 23rd, 2006, 12:41 AM
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/03/21/1142703356751.html#
Wembley setback - this time it's the roof
Email Print Normal font Large font By Carolyn Cummins Commercial Property Editor
March 22, 2006
As if Multiplex didn't have enough problems at Wembley Stadium, 3500 workers on the site were forced to flee yesterday when a 30-metre, 50-tonne steel roof rafter shifted while it was being welded into position.
Workers at the $1.3 billion development heard a loud bang, after which work was immediately stopped as engineers conducted an investigation.
The rafter is at the north-east end of the 90,000-seat stadium and forms part of the roof. Work is expected to be delayed for a day, with the area near the rafter remaining evacuated.
Once the rafter was secured, Multiplex confirmed it would be conducting an investigation with its engineers and subcontractors and examining whether the incident had any long-term implications for the project.
As there are few institutional investors left in Multiplex, the securities slipped only 5c to $3.15.
Property analysts said the report of the "incident" was just one of many that had come out of the construction site.
The incident occurred at about 8.30am London time on Monday. It prompted unions to call for a full inquiry after UK press reports said that "just one rope stopped scaffolding - which was holding several workers - from plummeting to the ground".
Multiplex's Australian office denied there was as much damage as immediately reported.
The group said in a statement that the 30-metre roof rafter moved "circa 500 millimetres at one end from its intended permanent position whilst work was being undertaken to remove temporary connections and affix the rafter to its final position".
"Contrary to various media reports … the steel did not fall to the ground, the entire roof did not drop and the permanent design is not in question," the statement said.
"Multiplex is conducting a forensic analysis of the temporary works in that location to ascertain the cause of the incident. Measures are now being taken to fix the rafter in its current position to prevent any further movement, and it is anticipated that this work will be completed overnight in the UK.
Multiplex said it would provide further information on the project when it delivered its March update at the end of the month.
The temporary shutdown of the site has added to Multiplex's woes surrounding the stadium.
Redevelopment of England's national football stadium was due to be completed for the FA Cup final in May, but Multiplex said in February it could not guarantee Wembley would be ready in time, causing the Football Association to shift the match to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
So I guess it won't be ready in time for the 2007 FA Cup Finals. :no:
Wembley setback - this time it's the roof
Email Print Normal font Large font By Carolyn Cummins Commercial Property Editor
March 22, 2006
As if Multiplex didn't have enough problems at Wembley Stadium, 3500 workers on the site were forced to flee yesterday when a 30-metre, 50-tonne steel roof rafter shifted while it was being welded into position.
Workers at the $1.3 billion development heard a loud bang, after which work was immediately stopped as engineers conducted an investigation.
The rafter is at the north-east end of the 90,000-seat stadium and forms part of the roof. Work is expected to be delayed for a day, with the area near the rafter remaining evacuated.
Once the rafter was secured, Multiplex confirmed it would be conducting an investigation with its engineers and subcontractors and examining whether the incident had any long-term implications for the project.
As there are few institutional investors left in Multiplex, the securities slipped only 5c to $3.15.
Property analysts said the report of the "incident" was just one of many that had come out of the construction site.
The incident occurred at about 8.30am London time on Monday. It prompted unions to call for a full inquiry after UK press reports said that "just one rope stopped scaffolding - which was holding several workers - from plummeting to the ground".
Multiplex's Australian office denied there was as much damage as immediately reported.
The group said in a statement that the 30-metre roof rafter moved "circa 500 millimetres at one end from its intended permanent position whilst work was being undertaken to remove temporary connections and affix the rafter to its final position".
"Contrary to various media reports … the steel did not fall to the ground, the entire roof did not drop and the permanent design is not in question," the statement said.
"Multiplex is conducting a forensic analysis of the temporary works in that location to ascertain the cause of the incident. Measures are now being taken to fix the rafter in its current position to prevent any further movement, and it is anticipated that this work will be completed overnight in the UK.
Multiplex said it would provide further information on the project when it delivered its March update at the end of the month.
The temporary shutdown of the site has added to Multiplex's woes surrounding the stadium.
Redevelopment of England's national football stadium was due to be completed for the FA Cup final in May, but Multiplex said in February it could not guarantee Wembley would be ready in time, causing the Football Association to shift the match to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
So I guess it won't be ready in time for the 2007 FA Cup Finals. :no: