Heatherwick sued over B of the Bang
- Published: 25 October 2007 13:19
- Author: Richard Vaughan
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- Last Updated: 25 October 2007 17:56
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Designer Heatherwick faces High Court action over iconic Manchester artwork.
Manchester City Council (MCC) is suing Thomas Heatherwick for £2 million after it accused the artist of negligence in regards to his famous B of the Bang sculpture.
The 56m-tall landmark was designed by Heatherwick Studios for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, however, High Court action is being taken against the practice after MCC accused it of breach of contract and negligence.
The court case is the latest in a long line of troubles for the sculpture. The cost of the scheme soared from £750,000 to £1.4 million as the initial quote did not include the installation costs.
Furthermore, the official opening of the sculpture was delayed by 18 months after a spike fell off causing the closure of a nearby road. The sculpture is still sealed off.
Manchester council chief executive Howard Bernstein said the artist and contractors were given 'every opportunity' to fix the problems and that it had 'no alternative' but to take legal action.
A date for the hearing is expected to be set for 2008.
