With the deadline approaching of an independent adjudicator having to be bought in to settle the dispute between tie and Bilfinger Berger over the track construction works down Princes Street in central Edinburgh, the two parties finally came to an agreement which should see track construction works starting in that location next week (week commencing 23rd March).
A deal between the two parties was reached just after 2030 on Thursday 20th March, but no details have yet been released as to what the deal contains. Various claims over the past few weeks have seen Bilfinger Berger allegedly wanting between £20 million and £80 million (or according to a report last week just thousands of pounds). Tie have always said they are unwilling to pay such large amounts to the firm in charge of the construction as part of the consortium. So, it remains to be seen just how much money Bilfinger Berger have managed to get – if anything (although it is hard to see them agreeing to start work if they haven’t got somewhere approaching what they requested).
Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for the Lothians, was happy about the news but also a little concerned: “Ending this dispute is a welcome step, but there are still many questions to be answered over this project. The last four weeks have disgraced tie and the contractors and no-one should take pride in their actions. Edinburgh expects better and now we expect real answers on the final cost and deadline for this project. Crucially, we must be told the fate of Princes Street for the Edinburgh Festival and Hogmanay. It is time tie got a grip of this project and the people of Edinburgh can get on with their lives with a minimum of disruption. This state of affairs must never happen again."
Cllr Jenny Dawe, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I am delighted with this outcome and look forward to the first sections of track being laid on Princes Street. The last month has been a frustrating period for everyone involved. Everyone concerned is now focused on delivering a world-class tram service to the people of Edinburgh and the millions of visitors who visit our capital city."
Both tie and Bilfinger Berger were very circumspect with their comments quoted in an article on The Scotsman website. A spokesman from the BSC consortium (of which Bilfinger Berger are the construction arm) said: “We are pleased that agreement for Princes Street has been reached and look forward to progressing the works in a spirit of co-operation."
Meanwhile, David Mackay, tie Chairman, said: “We welcome [the] decision to proceed with the Princes Street section."
Source: The Scotsman