Equipment specialist Portview has taken over work at Fulham Football Club’s Craven Cottage from collapsed contractor Buckingham Group.
Portview was already contracted to complete the interior fit-out of the new Riverside Stand once the base was completed by Buckingham Group. The job was left unfinished when Buckingham went into administration in September.
Portview chief operating officer Paul Lavery said: “Since the unfortunate demise of the Buckingham Group, we have picked up some of the outstanding elements of their work and continue to work closely with the club on this exciting project.”
Buckingham Group was appointed in 2019 as the main contractor for the £100 million project to demolish and rebuild the stand to increase its capacity.
The work was initially expected to last two years, but ran into problems related to the pandemic and difficult site conditions. Buckingham reported in 2021 that it expected to take a hit of £14.2m on the project as a result of the liquidation of a key subcontractor, Kaicer Building Envelope Solutions.
Fulham FC told fans in their latest update that they now expect the first part of the stand to open in 2024.
Some of Buckingham’s other stadium projects have also found replacement contractors. Mace took charge of work on Birmingham City FC’s Tilton and Kop stands, and Preston-based Rayner Rowen was appointed to complete Liverpool FC’s Anfield Road Stand.
Fulham FC have been contacted for comment.
