Published in Museums Journal, August 2010
National Museums Liverpool (NML) has had to pay out £500,000 to architects AEW following a dispute over work on the Museum of Liverpool.
The Manchester-based company was appointed in 2007 after NML sacked the designers at Netherlands-based company 3XN.
Museums Journal understands that AEW demanded payment for work that it argued was not in the contract, taking the case to formal adjudication after NML refused to pay.
At the adjudication last month, Tony Bingham, a lawyer and construction industry expert, upheld AEW’s claim and ruled that NML should also pay costs of £32,000.
An NML spokesman said: “This is a £72m scheme that involves scores of contractors and consultants. With all major projects such as this, there are differences of opinion that need to be worked through.
“We want the very best for this museum and it is right for us to control costs tightly. It is not unreasonable to expect our contractors and consultants to do the same.
“We are disappointed with the adjudicator’s decision and are taking the matter further with our lawyers.”
