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Colchester: Gallery faces new delays
12:28pm Friday 16th May 2008
COLCHESTER'S controversial new art gallery has hit another snag.
Building work on firstsite:newsite has been delayed due to problems with the glass element of the iconic building.
More work is also needed to make the roof weathertight.
Adrian Pritchard, chief executive of Colchester Council which owns the gallery, said: "There have been a few snags. The roof itself is done but still needs sealing to make it weather tight.
"It has not been done for the last few weeks but we are expecting them back on site in about a week's time."
There have also been problems with glazing the building. Gigantic glass doors at the front of the building will allow large works of art to be brought.
However, the project has been delayed as new designers have been called in to design and handle the glasswork.
The hold-ups also mean only limited work can be done inside the gallery until it is waterproof.
Mr Pritchard said: "There is not a lot of work gong on at the moment but there is some work inside. They are doing bits and pieces which won't be hit by the elements."
firstsite:newsite has hit a series of hitches including problems with the canopy overhanging the gallery entrance.
The scheme came under fire when it was revealed building costs had gone £1.3 million over budget leading critics to describe it as a "financial shambles".
Mr Pritchard added: "I understand members of the public will be concerned about firstsite:newsite and will be asking what is happening.
"I understand their concerns but this is a unique building, the roof, the glass, even the foundations are unique. It is the only one of its design in the world.
"It is not like the stadium where the contractors have built 17 of those. We have never done this building before. Everything is bespoke."
Firstsite:newsite is the result of a partnership project between Arts Council England, the East of England Development Agency, Essex County Council, Colchester Council, Essex University and firstsite.
Funding for the £17.8 million project has come from Arts Council East, the East of England Development Agency, Essex County Council with £1.75 million coming from Colchester Council.
The new problems put the opening date for the gallery in jeopardy yet again. It was originally due to open at the beginning of this year but may now not open until 2009.
Mr Pritchard said: "We are trying to ensure the building is open by the end of the year. However, I hope people will realise it will be finished and it will be spectacular."
Your Say YourColchester
Cliff, Colchester says...
3:54pm Mon 19 May 08
Do you want it knocking down and the £18 million it has cost so far wasted or do you just want to leave it standing as it is, unfinished and, to quote you, a carbuncle.
Judging by demolition costs I have read about other buildings it will probably cost as much to knock it down as it will to finish it.
Andy Hamilton, Lexden says...
9:58pm Mon 19 May 08
The design was strong on wacky ideas but deficient on practical engineering. I am surprised it is still standing!
Running costs will need a minimum subsidy, again from the taxpayer, of £600,000 a year according to Council records.
The VAF was always a high risk project and opposed by most Colcestrians. Councillors forced it through and it is their problem. They wanted a monument to their egos but they have got the biggest white elephant since Jumbo at the other end of the High Street.
Personally I would dismantle this structurally deficient building before it falls down and erect the surviving bits at Essex University. They can stuff it full of their Latin American art for the benefit of their students.
Councillors were repeatedly warned against going ahead and I think they should be personally liable for all the future costs.
Come along the the next Cabinet meeting 21st May and watch the Councillors humiliated by the truth. When the VAF committee reports and relevant Council emails are seen by the public I doubt those responsible will escape their just rewards.
Your sayYourColchester
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Andy Hamilton, Lexden says...
10:41pm Sun 18 May 08
I call upon the two Council representatives on the VAF Partnership board to resign their Council positions without compensation. That is the Chief Executive of this Council Alan Pritchard and Councillor Robert Davidson.
It is shameful how this Council has been misled over such a long period. The VAF always was destined to be a failure both in its engineering design and the finances. I see no reason why this Council should waste another penny of taxpayers money on this white elephant.