Spurs stadium won’t be ready this year

Tottenham Hotspur’s delayed new stadium won’t be ready to host football matches in 2018, despite hopes that it would be completed before the end of this year.

• Will Spurs’ stadium delay hit construction management’s reputation?

The £800m venue, being delivered by construction manager Mace, was originally due to host its first home game in September this year before Mace announced delays caused by issues with critical safety systems at the site.

Following that announcement, it was thought that Mace was working to have the stadium ready for Spurs’ 15 December match against Burnley.

But the club confirmed at the weekend that it will now play all of its remaining home games at its temporary home, with chairman Daniel Levy blaming “contractors missing deadlines” for the uncertainty.

The club is expected to provide a further update in early December.

In a statement, Levy said: “There isn’t an hour that goes by when I am not asked when we will be able to stage our first game at our new home.

“I wish I was able to confirm an exact opening date and fixture. However, in light of factors completely outside of our control, contractors missing deadlines and possible future unforeseen issues, we are naturally being cautious in respect of our timetable for our test events and official opening game.

“Whilst we are conscious of the need to keep pressure on our contractors to deliver as soon as possible, we are also acutely aware of how difficult the lack of clarity is for you, our supporters, to plan around games, particularly those at Christmas and New Year.

“In light of the above, and taking into account the restricted availability of manpower over the festive period, we have taken the decision to confirm today that all home games will be played at Wembley Stadium up to and including the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 29 December.

“We know the continued delay is a source of immense disappointment to everyone and I can only continue to apologise for this – it is a sentiment felt by all of us.

“We have not stood still whilst work on the critical safety systems has been happening and we have sought to use the time to bring forward future works.

“Our investment has been supported by over £100m investment in transport infrastructure which will see the stadium and the local area served by one of the best public transport networks in the country – facilitating the creation of a new sport, leisure and entertainment destination in London.

“The delay in the stadium opening has made it possible for some track and station improvements to be brought forward due to the fact that previously non-available construction dates have become available for works.

“We have no doubt when open that this stadium will be one of the finest in the world – a leading example of British research and development delivering engineering and technological firsts that will be showcased globally.”