Severfield prepares to bolt on exceptional costs from fixing the Cheesegrater

THE replacement of bolts on a London skyscraper known as the Cheesegrater has already cost nearly £1m.

Three bolts had broken in three months – tests attributing the problem to cracks caused by hydrogen embrittlement – and now dozens of the metre-long bolts are being replaced.

Thirsk-based steel group Severfield is part of the construction group which includes British Land, Laing O’Rourke and Arup that is responsible for the Leadenhall Building, the second-tallest in the City of London.

Although the contract was completed in 2013, the bolt replacement programme is expected to continue for the rest of 2015.

In a statement the group said: “Whilst these works progress, all parties continue discussions to agree where the liability for the costs of the programme should rest. The group’s costs are being regarded as exceptional and will not impact our underlying operating profit for the current year.”

Severfield, which was appointed as the steelwork contractor for the new Anfield stadium in December, said its focus has been on “operational and margin improvements, rather than revenue, and continues to deliver in line with expectations”.