Spurs facing delay to 2019 for stadium
TOTTENHAM’S move into their new stadium could be put back until 2019.
Sources close to the construction have told The Mail on Sunday that problems with the safety systems could hinder the project for up to six months — a nightmare scenario that could delay the club’s move into February.
Spurs have confirmed the move has been put back until the end of October, and even private best-case scenarios don’t see a first
competitive match before mid to late November.
A source close to the project said: ‘The critical issues include [safety] systems. Some systems are incomplete or missing and nobody knows how long it is going to be.’
It is understood Tottenham have been told that their fire detection contractor has ‘encountered higher than usual electrical wiring faults’ and that the fire alarm systems and some other electronics are way behind schedule.
The MoS’s source added: ‘Completion could run into next year, depending on what other issues crop up. A best guess is that this delay will be between three to six months. In addition, the cost of the build has already reached £1billion and it is difficult to predict what the final bill will be. The costs keep piling up.’
Tottenham are meeting construction partners Mace and contractors working on the stadium to work out a new timetable for opening.
Spurs declined to speculate when they might play their first match at the new venue or say who will bear the costs of the delays.
But a spokesman said: ‘Urgent follow-up meetings with Mace and the trade contractors are currently taking place. We are reviewing the situation and planned timetable to rectify and re-test, after which we shall be in a better position to outline a revised timetable.’
Tottenham wanted to open the stadium for Liverpool’s visit on September 15, with work going on around the clock in an effort to ensure they hit that date.
But they do not know when their 62,062-seat home will be ready and are uncertain where they will be able to host Manchester City, with an NFL game taking place at Wembley on October 28.
It is likely the club’s Champions League home group games will have to be moved to Wembley. The EFL will allow them to play Carabao Cup games at their opponent’s ground.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said last week: ‘We know this will be disappointing for all our season-ticket holders, premium members and our fans worldwide.’