Chelsea Village kicks up storm over delays

OWNERS of the Chelsea Village hotel are withholding payment to the contractor and may seek legal action after further delays have set the official opening date back by another month.

Previously, Chelsea Village, which owns Chelsea Football Club, blamed delays on its decision to upgrade the 160-bedroom hotel and improve public areas (Caterer, 4 December 1997, page 11 and 29 January, page 16).

After agreeing a revised hand-back date with the builders, Chelsea Village argues that the contractor, James Longley, is to blame for further delays.

The hotel is now scheduled to open on the 15 April, four months late.

A spokesman from James Longley said that the contract had not been broken. "This is unjustified. They may have to eat their words," he said.

But Edward Murray, Chelsea Village's executive director, said a climb-down on their part was unlikely. "We will see them in court," he said.