Queries about €1.14 billion Laing O’Rourke project

Shortly after beginning work on the £1 billion (€1.14 billion) revamp of St James Centre in Edinburgh, the British-based construction company Laing O’Rourke looks set to sell a conveniently-positioned plant.

Located in Uddingston, just 40 miles from Edinburgh, the manufacturing plant produces precast concrete under the Bison brand.

Rival construction companies have been left baffled by the fact that Laing O’Rourke is now in advanced talks to sell the plant to FP McCann, especially since Ray O’Rourke, Chairman and Chief Executive of Laing O’Rourke, has been such an advocate of offsite manufacturing in the past.

Contractors have asked what impact this might have on Ray O’Rouke’s promise to, “deliver this project on time and budget.” Laing O’Rourke has declined to comment on the potential sale.

The landmark redevelopment stands as one of Scotland’s largest inward investments in 2016, totalling over 150,000m² of retail and leisure space, including 150 private apartments.

The full scheme is scheduled for completion in 2021.