Council terminates local construction company’s £2.2m contract to redevelop Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre

The construction contract on a £3.1 million development of a Crosby leisure centre has been ended by Sefton Council.

The council said Crossfield Construction Limited’s contract had been stopped due to “unacceptable delays and failures” to progress the project.

The Liverpool-based firm had a £2.2 million deal to remodel and extend Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, creating a new hospitality area, including enhanced wedding, conference hotel, dining and bar facilities.

A new residential 36-bed ‘bunk barn’ was also due to be built to provide overnight accommodation for groups.

The project was expected to create new jobs for the area and the construction development company had pledged to employ “a fully local supply chain”.

Announcing the contract earlier this year, Crossfield Constriction said the contact was “significant to the business” as one of its founding directors and many of the team are from Crosby and the surrounding areas.

What is Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre?

The centre was built in 2008 and sits next to Anthony Gormley’s Another Place and the iron men sculptures.

It provides hospitality, leisure, watersports and fitness facilities adjacent to Crosby Marine Lake and visitors can also experience a wide range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

In March last year Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved £3.1 million in funding to support improvements to the centre.

What did Sefton Council say?

A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, owing to Crossfield Construction Limited’s unacceptable delays and failure to satisfactorily progress the works on the redevelopment of Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, the Council has terminated its employment under their contract.

“This is a difficult decision, which we realise may have a knock-on effect on local firms subcontracted to Crossfield.

“We understand and share the frustrations that those subcontractors may have.”

Construction was due to be completed at the end of 2021, which will now be delayed until next year.

The spokesperson said the council had worked “proactively” with the contractor to try to resolve any issues.

“This decision has been taken after much consideration, but is in line with the council’s duty to protect the interests of local council tax payers and its assets. The decision could not have been communicated earlier, due to the legal and commercial nature of negotiations with the contractor.

“Sefton Council is implementing its contingency plan to complete the scheme and ensure delivery of a first-class asset and the benefits it brings, for residents and visitors, as safely, quickly and economically as possible."

Crossfield Construction has been contacted for a comment.