A new contractor is being sought for a major regeneration programme in Wales following the collapse of Buckingham Group Contracting.
Swansea Council is in talks with alternative contractors for its Copr Bay scheme where Buckingham Group was the main contractor.
“We’re also in early discussions with alternative contactors as we look to make an appointment and ensure the unfinished works can be completed as soon as possible,” it said in a statement.
Most of the scheme, running from near the former St David’s Shopping Centre to the marina, is already finished.
But some unfinished works include a car park and other “snagging works” on site, it said.
New contractor replaces Buckingham Group at Anfield Road
The car park site has been made secure and is now in the hands of the administrators.
Swansea Council has put insurance, scaffolding, emergency lighting and security arrangements in place there.
Financial arrangements it has in place means the council does not anticipate Buckingham’s situation to lead to extra costs for the council, it said.
Buckingham Group Contracting formally entered administration this week, resulting in the loss of nearly 450 jobs and the sale of its Rail division to Kier Group.
Company directors and their advisers had been trying to secure refinancing for the £700 million turnover business in the wake of “significant cashflow pressures”.
But legacy issues and ongoing losses were “simply too great”.
Consultants from accounting firm Grant Thornton were appointed as joint administrators on Monday, 4 September.
A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Buckingham Group staff during this difficult time but we’ve also done all we can to protect the council’s position.
“In the short-term this includes the introduction of emergency lighting, security and other measures at the car park on the city centre side of Oystermouth Road.
“Looking ahead to completing the scheme, we’re already liaising with the administrators on when the car park site can be handed over to the council.”
Adding: “We’re also in early discussions with alternative contactors as we look to make an appointment and ensure the unfinished works can be completed as soon as possible.
“Swansea Arena is completely unaffected by this situation, so it’s business as usual there as well as at other elements of the Copr Bay scheme which have been completed.”
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