Multiplex faces crunch decision over Wembley extra time...

Contractor Multiplex is preparing to make the crunch decision as to whether it will be able to complete the new Wembley stadium by March.

Chief executive Andrew Roberts, son of founder John Roberts, flew into the UK this week to assess the chances of the firm making the spring deadline. The company last week said it had a 70% chance of handing over the building to the client ahead of the FA Cup final in May.

A source at the contractor confirmed Roberts was in London but did not confirm whether he was visiting the actual Wembley site. The source said: "It's not unusual (for Roberts to be in the UK). He is back and forth between Australia and the UK and a considerable amount of his time is spent in the UK."

The source added that the decision as to whether to complete would be made "within the next couple of weeks".

Industry sources claim the decision will partly rest on the amount of money the firm will need to spend to make the deadline compared to the losses it incurs if it misses it. The firm has capped its liquidated damages with the client to £14m.

The equation will be whether throwing money at staff to get it done will dwarf the cap on the liquidated damages

Industry source

One leading source said: "The equation will be whether throwing money at staff to get it done will dwarf the cap on the liquidated damages."

Another source claimed the firm's reputation was also a key factor. "If Multiplex can finish it, it will be a hero. It's something they must weigh up."

Multiplex last week said the biggest risks associated with the project were subcontractor performance, design changes, a worsening of industrial relations, inclement weather and problems with the integration and commissioning of M&E systems. The most risky job is getting the roof finished on time, the firm added, which could be affected by high winds.

An added complication for the contractor is its High Court case against former steel contractor Cleveland Bridge, which is due to start in April. "It doesn't make it easy for them," one source said.