Work to create the new public space in Grimsby, Riverhead Square, has had to be paused temporarily due to unavoidable delays in the supply of natural stone for the seating.
A spokesperson from Marshalls, which quarries and supplies the stone, said: “Stone is a natural product, and its quality can change quickly depending on numerous factors. Thanks to our strict quality controls, we were able to swiftly identify the issue, using our product reserves to keep the project moving in the short term. Reassuringly, whilst any quarry can experience a period of unexpected poor quality, it is rare that it lasts a long time.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these unexpected and unavoidable delays and remain focussed on resolving the issue. We’re in close communication with the council to ensure they’re up to date on our progress.”
The stone seam is currently under further excavation and lower grade material is being removed to expose the higher quality stone needed for this project.
The council is working with Marshalls, and has taken the decision to close down the Riverhead Square site temporarily, until deliveries resume and contractors, CR Reynolds, can return to site to complete batches of work.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council said: “Whilst this is disappointing, unfortunately, some things we just can’t foresee, and nature is one of them. This project is providing a really high quality space for the people of Grimsby to use and enjoy, and we’re pleased that Marshall’s quality control process identified the issue sooner rather than later. We’ll obviously be working with the suppliers for the stone to be delivered as soon as possible so that we can open the Square fully.”
The seating areas will remain cordoned off for safety until individual areas are completed.
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