Terminal 5 and the new Emirates Stadium show how the UK can deliver major construction projects – Lemley

Mr Lemley, who has visited both projects in recent days, said: "In the last two weeks I have visited the Terminal 5 project at Heathrow and the new Emirates Stadium at Ashburton Grove.

"Both are hugely impressive. Both demonstrate clearly how in particular - good planning and effective project management, alongside an effective decision-making structure to ensure timely decision are made, are integral to success.

"That is why the ODA is putting such a sharp focus on planning and the recruitment of the Delivery Partner at the early stage of the Olympic project."

Mr Lemley, who was speaking to international construction industry delegates at the International Construction Superconference 2006, added:

"It is inevitable that more attention is focused on construction projects which encounter difficulties than those that don't. But high profile problems should not be allowed to define an industry.

"There are many outstanding examples of success not just T5 and Arsenal - and there should be no creeping fatalism that the construction industry in this country cannot deliver major projects.

"I have every confidence that the Olympics will be a major showcase for the talents of the UK construction industry in the coming years."

The £390m, 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium, the new home of Arsenal, is in the final stages of construction and is on budget and on schedule to open in August this year. It is a key regeneration project in London, creating 2,500 new homes, 25 % affordable, and around 2,600 new jobs.

Terminal 5 is one of Europe's largest construction undertakings, with 16 major projects including, alongside the terminal, transport and other infrastructure works, parking, and a hotel. It is also on budget and on schedule to open in March 2008, and will safeguard thousands of jobs and boost the tourism industry.

Notes to Editors

The Olympic Delivery Authority is a statutory corporation set up under the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006.

Media Enquiries

Contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on 020 3 2012 700

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