Cox Architecture and Hassell sued by builder over work at Perth’s Optus Stadium

Leading sport architects Cox Architecture and designers Hassell are being sued over their work at Perth’s Optus Stadium by builders Multiplex.

Multiplex claims it incurred additional costs as well as loss and damage during the construction of the venue because of advice given by Cox Architecture and Hassell - the two Stadium designers, and Arup Pty Ltd which provided the engineering and technical expertise.

Filing multiple lawsuits in the Western Australian Supreme Court, Multiplex claims Cox Architects services were “inadequate, erroneous, inconsistent with accepted practice at the time” and that Cox misled Multiplex as to the quality of its architectural services, amounting to “conduct in the course of trade or commerce that was misleading or deceptive … which caused loss … in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law”.

Hassell in conjunction with Cox Architecture (as well as HKS Sport + Entertainment which have not been named in any writs) were responsible for the overall design of the new venue including its interior and the surrounding landscape.

The Statement of Claim against Cox lodged by Multiplex last week stated that: “in about 2012 or 2013 the plaintiff and the defendant entered into an agreement pursuant to which the defendant agreed to provide consulting services to the plaintiff with regard to … architectural design, interior design and landscaping for the Perth Stadium for the purpose of the plaintiff submitting a bid for the design and construction of the project.

“In providing the architectural services, the defendant made representation to the plaintiff, on which the plaintiff relied to its detriment, regarding the quality, adequacy, suitability and/or fitness of the architectural services.”

Commenting on the legal action, The Australian has quoted a Multiplex spokesperson as stating “we are in communication with both Cox and Arup who understand the status of the writs which have been lodged but not served.”

The Australian has also speculated that with Multiplex one of the two bidders in the contest to rebuild the Sydney Football Stadium - which has been designed by Cox - that process could be derailed by the legal action.

However, the Multiplex spokesperson advised “(this) will have no impact on the potential delivery of the Sydney Football Stadium and we would welcome the opportunity to deliver another world-class stadium together.

“Multiplex has worked with Cox and Arup on a number of projects and we expect to continue our positive working relationship with both parties on future projects.”

An Infrastructure NSW spokesperson, which is responsible for the rebuilding of the former Allianz Stadium, also commented “Infrastructure NSW had no involvement in the delivery of Optus Stadium in Perth. Any matters regarding legal proceedings on this project should be directed to the relevant parties.”