Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed that the Civic Campus development will still be completed this summer, despite its main contractor, Ardmore Construction Group, entering administration. The local authority stated that contingency plans are in place to ensure progress remains unaffected.
Ardmore's Collapse and Impact on Projects
Ardmore Construction Group and several of its subsidiaries have entered administration, according to trade publication Construction Enquirer. The collapse is linked to a High Court Building Liability Order judgment that made the group liable for remediation claims on historic residential developments, causing a cash flow crisis. Ardmore is appealing the decision.
The Hammersmith Civic Campus is one of ten major London sites affected by Ardmore's administration. Other sites include Tribeca in King's Cross, 5 Chancery Lane, West Cromwell Road in Kensington and Chelsea, and the Kensington Forum Hotel, among others.
Civic Campus Progress and Contingency Plans
A council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it will be "business as usual" for the final stages of the development. The project is so advanced that most remaining works are being carried out by subcontractors, with whom the council is liaising directly.
The Civic Campus has already partially opened. Its 204-home residential block, 52% of which is affordable housing, has been welcoming residents for months. The refurbished Grade II-listed Town Hall has hosted two Full Council meetings. The scheme also includes restaurants, bars, a cinema, public squares, and workspace.
Council Leader Stephen Cowan had previously cited Brexit and a 2022 incident where dropped steel injured two builders as factors delaying the opening.
Council and Ardmore Statements
A council spokesperson said: "The Civic Campus will be Britain's most exciting new arts, cultural, business, government and community quarter. It's both environmentally positive and accessible. We have long been aware of Ardmore Construction Group Ltd's circumstances and have prepared accordingly. We will therefore carry on opening the rest of the building with only a few changes to our planned schedule."
An Ardmore spokesperson commented: "This is a deeply disappointing outcome for the construction group, its employees and its stakeholders. Our focus is now on preserving value in the wider Group, protecting the continuing businesses where possible, and pursuing the appeal against a judgment which we believe raises important questions for the wider industry."
The council remains on track to fully open the Civic Campus this summer, boosting the local economy and benefiting residents.
