By PAUL YANDALL
HAMILTON - Hamilton's troubled $30 million twin-stadium project looks increasingly unlikely to begin construction this year, as previously pro-stadium councillors prepare to do a u-turn.
Former stadium supporters Jody Garrett and Peter Bos are likely to vote against the release of $9 million of council funding in a move that could sink the present stadium plans.
The move comes barely two weeks after a damning independent review criticised the project for a lack of design work and recommended that its two main backers - the Hamilton City Council and WEL Energy Trust - not release any money to it.
Mr Garrett said yesterday that the council had given the Stadium Trust all the time it wanted to present a viable project, but it had consistently come up short in its plans to redevelop Rugby Park and upgrade WestpacTrust cricket ground.
"Unfortunately, while the trust have been working well, they haven't achieved a great deal and they haven't provided anything of real substance," he said.
"I think it's time to say enough is enough. We can't afford to have a project that is a lot less than we expect."
Mr Bos, who campaigned during the last local body election on the issue, refused to comment on the project.
Mayor Russ Rimmington, who also heads the WEL Energy Trust and is a strong supporter of the twin-stadium plan, said he would probably seek the resignations of Mr Garrett and Mr Bos from the council.
The council's stadium working party is expected to meet the WEL Energy Trust tomorrow to discuss concerns highlighted by quantity surveyor Tony Gemmell's independent review of the project.
But Stadium Trust spokesman John Parker said he was disappointed at the political football being played over the project and was concerned that its future had come down to the opinion of Mr Gemmell.
U-turn to prolong stadium troubles
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