Centre to face five months of delay

council’s head of finance and property services, explained: “The contractors have been progressing on site as part of the development of a new partnership centre for Whitburn but they have identified a highvoltage cable which must be diverted.

“This was unfortunately not identified as part of the initial site diligence at the building contract tender stage.

“As this is a high-voltage cable the work must be undertaken by Scottish Power Energy Networks and requires a specified lead-in time to mobilise and complete the diversion work safely with no disruption to customers.

“Unfortunately, due to the proximity of the cable to the proposed foundation work, the overall programme may take up to approximately five months longer than originally anticipated, with completion for the building now expected in January 2021.

“We are obviously reliant on Scottish Power Energy Networks being in a position to carry out the works within their estimated timetable and we’re hopeful that they are able to achieve this given the importance of the facility within the local community.”

He added: “In the meantime the project will not stand still.

“The contractor is continuing to work on other areas of the site, including the roof work to the part existing building being retained and stonework repairs, and will continue to do so until the cable issue is resolved to progress some elements of work and ensure a site presence.

“Officers are liaising daily with SPEN, the contractor and the project design team to try to minimise the overall delay by reprogramming elements of the work and utilising off-site construction where appropriate without compromising on the quality of the finished building.

“We will have firm dates for the cable diversion soon and a detailed programme to completion will then be prepared looking to accelerate some work where possible.

“We’re keen that the local community and customers are kept up to date with progress and a further update will be provided at that time.”

The new centre will cost nearly £5 million. The original Burgh Halls facade will be kept and restored.