A new contractor has been found to take over the transformation of The Kingsway in Swansea after the previous firm, Dawnus, went into administration.
Last Wednesday work halted on site after workers downed tools and left after claims sub-contractors had not been paid .
Swansea Council now hopes work will re-start on the £12m transformation of the key city centre thoroughfare shortly, if new contractor Griffiths agrees to take on the project.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great news that we’ve been able to find a way through and get work back on track so quickly after main contractor Dawnus called in the administrators.
“We’re anticipating all the legal approvals, financial and technical issues can be resolved very soon, enabling Griffiths to get on and complete the Kingsway project we’ve all been looking forward to."
Dawnus went into administration last week, and it has been revealed that the construction company owes the Welsh government £1.5m .
Out of a £3.5m loan to the company, the government received £2m back, however the Welsh Government has said it is "confident" the outstanding money will be repaid.
The company also owes contractors around Wales tens of thousands of pounds.
This is how The Kingsway was left after Dawnus had to quit the project:
Council teams recommenced work on site on Friday, operating through the weekend and on Monday to tackle defects.
They made the site safe and removed non-essential fencing and barriers. They will continue work on-site until the main contractor takes over.
Councillor Stewart continued: “Griffiths was the second-placed contractor on the original tender for the Kingsway works. We’ve worked closely with them over the years to deliver a range of highways maintenance and improvement programmes as part of the Swansea Highways Partnership.
“That’s why we’re pleased they have been able to respond so rapidly and positively to the situation. Subject to all approvals being in place the council is looking forward to working with them towards completing the Kingsway scheme as soon as possible.
“Our proactive approach and collective quick response will mean that any time lost to this project will be limited.
“We will do everything we can to secure a completion in the original timeframe - but the new contractor will have to review the work and develop a works programme.
“The project will also work to the existing budget; we do not anticipate a significant difference between the original total cost and the new cost.”
Details of the final cost of completing the scheme are still being finalised. The council will incur some costs for making the site safe and engaging the Swansea Highways Partnership to make good some defects.
The Swansea Highways Partnership is due to be on site from March 25, and work will continue until all approvals are in place for Griffiths to start on the main part of the completion contract within a matter of weeks.
Councillor Stewart said: “I want to reassure business, traders, commuters and shoppers that it is business as usual on Kingsway and in the wider city centre area.”
