Every panel of metal cladding has been stripped from Cabot Circus's landmark tower - just five months before the ^500 million shopping centre's opening (link below.)
http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=20418976Workmen on the luxury 14-storey apartment block have been removing the silver cladding after it was discovered the fixings were not up to scratch.
The Bristol Alliance, which is behind the development, says the snag has not "compromised the overall budget" and will not delay the opening planned for September.
Bristol Alliance says the aluminium and zinc cladding has been removed because the fixings were not up to the required quality.
The 14-storey tower of flats, one of the tallest buildings in Bristol, has been built over what will be a three-storey Harvey Nichols store.
It has been designed by Alec French Architects as the cornerstone of the Quakers Friars area, which will be a continental-style square surrounded by boutiques, cafes and apartments.
The outer walls of the 37,000 sq ft Harvey Nichols had been clad in dark grey zinc while the upper storeys were covered in aluminium.
Every panel of the cladding on the three-storey shop and the residential tower was removed to replace the fixings that attach the metal sheets to the wall.
New fixings have been fitted and the panels, which vary in size, are being replaced.
It is anticipated that Harvey Nichols will be completely reclad within the next 10 weeks.
All the remaining cladding will be complete in time for centre opening in September this year.
The remedial works will come within the overall construction contract and will not affect the total ^500 million cost of the Cabot Circus project or completion date.
Cabot Circus is the biggest rebuilding project in Bristol since World War II. It will have one million sq ft of shops, restaurants and cafes.
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