2nd Dec 2005 10:50
Kier Group PLC02 December 2005 Kier Group plc Castlepoint Retail Centre Bournemouth As has been reported in the press, Castlepoint Limited Partnership, the ownersand operators of the Castlepoint retail centre in Bournemouth, have taken thedecision to close the centre, due to their concerns over health and safetyissues with the car park. Kier Build Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kier Group plc, was the designand build contractor for the construction of the retail centre including the carpark. The design and construction of the car park were subcontracted to CVBuchan Ltd a subsidiary of Amec plc. Hyder is Buchan's designer. Concerns over the car park structure have been raised, and Kier, Buchan andHyder have for some time been engaged with Castlepoint in addressing theseconcerns. In the interim, advice has been taken by the parties from a number ofstructural engineers as to appropriate measures to ensure the safety of theusers of the car park. These have been implemented and are being constantlymonitored. On the basis of this advice, none of the parties had felt itnecessary to fully close the car park; although a number of areas have beenperiodically closed off whilst works have been undertaken. We are not aware ofany material change in the condition of the structure which warrants Wednesday'schange in Castlepoint's approach. We continue to work with Castlepoint to find a solution which will enable thecar park to be re-opened and are continuing our work towards a long-termsolution. Prior to recent events, advice had been taken by the board of Kier Group plcwhich indicated that there was no material financial consequence to the Groupresulting from these issues. At this time, the board of Kier Group has noreason to modify this view notwithstanding the decision of Castlepoint to closethe car park. - ENDS - For further information, please contact: John Dodds, Chief ExecutiveKier Group plc Tel: 01767 640111 Deena Mattar, Finance DirectorKier Group plc Tel: 01767 640111 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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