Kier blames ‘unforeseen issues’ for museum job delays

Kier has admitted that “unforeseen issues” have added extra delays to the revamp of a 150-year-old museum in Scotland.

The contractor was originally appointed in 2021 for the £42m refurbishment and extension of Paisley Museum in Renfrewshire.

Kier was previously expected to complete its work on the scheme in 2023.

However, client Renfrewshire Council said it now expected construction to be completed by the end of this year, followed by a fit-out phase.

The revamped museum is then expected to open in the second half of 2026, but the scheme’s budget has risen to around £65m, according to the council.

A Kier spokesperson said the project had been “complex with a number of unforeseen issues only able to be identified when construction was underway”.

The firm said it was “continuing to work collaboratively with Renfrewshire Council and OneRen [the charity operating the museum]” to complete the project.

The spokesperson said Kier was committed to “delivering a world-class visitor destination”. The work has included a new entrance structure, internal remodelling and roof works.

Last year, a report by the council said the delays had been caused by the pandemic, restricted working conditions and a shortage of  materials.

In a joint statement on the latest delay, the council and OneRen said the work will “bring the historic building up to modern standards, protect its long-term future, and attract thousands of visitors to Paisley town centre each year”.

The statement added: “Construction is expected to be complete by the end of this year, after which the fit-out phase will begin to prepare the museum to exhibit its outstanding collections of art, heritage and artefacts.

“A date for the official reopening will be confirmed by OneRen once construction is complete, with the museum expected to open in the second half of next year.”

Glenigan lists JR Group as the scaffolding subcontractor on the job.

Taylor and Fraser is providing mechanical and electrical services, according to the data intelligence firm, joined by Roofglaze (glazing), Gray & Dick (cladding) and Mantis Cranes (plant hire).