A round up of the weekend's papers including a look at the perils of a warmer world and the cowboy builder banned for life

Crossrail deal expected within months

A financial deal for the £10bn Crossrail project could be struck in the next few months, reported the Sunday Telegraph. Senior Whitehall sources told the paper that “barring a disaster,” the Crossrail Bill would be passed through Parliament by the end of the year, with construction starting in mid-2008.

Activists claim victory over academy

Minerva founder Andrew Rosenfeld has pulled out of a proposed city academy project near Wembley Stadium, the weekend Financial Times reported. Rosenfeld was due to contribute to the funding of the project, but had faced opposition from left-wing activists.
Andrew Rosenfeld
Rosenfeld has been thwarted by local protesters

£67m Eden Project will show the perils of a warmer world

The Observer reported this weekend that plans for Britain’s first tourist attraction dedicated to climate change will be unveiled this week at the Grimshaw-designed Eden project. The £67m building, called The Edge, will not be a semi-spherical greenhouse like the existing two structures, the paper said.

Candy development in jeopardy

Property developer Christian Candy is considering selling his multimillion pound ‘Cambulo’ development in Kensington after planning permission was deferred for a second time, said the Telegraph on Saturday. The designs, by David Chipperfield, failed to find favour with the local council.


Cowboy builder gets ban for life

A builder from Kent has received an Asbo banning him from the trade for life, according to the Scotsman. Anthony Rossiter from Meopham, Kent is said to have made £70,000 in the past six years overcharging elderly patrons for unnecessary repairs.

Russians plan UK power stations

Russian energy Giant Gazprom is considering teaming up with UK energy producers to build gas-fired power stations in this country, The Observer reported. The papers states that the world’s largest producer of gas is looking to form joint ventures that would allow it to build power stations and supply gas to them, in return for taking electricity output and selling it on through its trading business.


Tesco’s riches soar to record

Tesco will unveil annual profits this week totalling more than £2.5bn, or close to £5,000 every minute, The Observer reported. The paper said that over the next three years the retail giant plans to oversee the construction of 2,000 homes.