Wembley contractor Multiplex has followed its legal victory over Cleveland Bridge with a £1.28m win in a dispute over its residential tower 1 West India Quay in London Docklands.

The High Court has upheld an adjudication award in Multiplex's favour on the project, which is London's tallest residential tower. Client West India Development Co has been ordered to pay Multiplex sums it had withheld after delays on the project, together with interest.

The complex, which includes a five-star Marriott hotel and 158 apartments, was originally scheduled for completion in May 2004 but was not handed over until the following December. In last week's court hearing, West India Development claimed that, as the dispute over delays was continuing, it should be entitled to a stay on the adjudication award.

In court, WID alleged that Multiplex may struggle to repay the sum if the ruling were overturned in a subsequent trial, owing to its Wembley losses.

However, Multiplex counsel Justin Mort denied the claims. He said: "The implicit suggestion that a company of the claimant's size would be unable to raise a sum of a little over £1.25m, if required to do so, is absurd."

The suggestion that Multiplex would be unable to raise a sum of a £1.25m, if required to do so, is absurd

Multiplex’s council

Mr Justice Ramsey agreed on the basis that despite Multiplex's Wembley losses, the company continued to receive financial support from its Australian parent. He said: "There is no evidence to lead me to the conclusion that such support is likely to be withdrawn."

Martin Tidd, Multiplex's UK managing director, said he was "delighted" the judge had upheld the award.

The first batches of turf were laid at Wembley stadium this week. The turf will take about a week to lay.

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