Claims about 'dumping' of US foreshore designers wrong

12/7/93

Planning Minister Richard Lewis today rejected suggestions that the State Government had 'dumped' a US architectural firm from participation in plans to redesign Perth's foreshore.

Mr Lewis said the Boston-based firm of Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell had, instead, offered to withdraw from involvement in producing a master plan to redesign the Perth foreshore.

Mr Lewis said the offer was made during discussions he had held with the American firm over the past three months about the future of the proposal.

"It is totally wrong to suggest that the State Government has 'dumped' the American firm," Mr Lewis said.

"During discussions about the future of the project with the Americans I made it clear that the Government wanted to proceed with developing a plan, but on a smaller scale.

"As a result, the American firm responded to me and said they did not want any further involvement in the scaled-down option being considered by the Government.

"On that basis they offered to withdraw from the project."

Mr Lewis said subsequent negotiations with the US firm had been based upon their desire not to continue with the project.

"Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell are a highly respected and competent firm of architects and the Government's desire to reduce the size of the project in no way reflects on their abilities or expertise," Mr Lewis said.

"The simple fact is that the State Government is not in a position financially to go ahead with the consultancy as was being suggested."

Mr Lewis said the Government's position on a smaller, less-expensive plan had been welcomed in talks with Perth City Council Lord Mayor Reg Withers and his deputy, Jack Marx.

He said misinformation and irresponsible comments from the Opposition on the issue had the potential to jeopardize what were sensitive negotiations.

Mr Lewis reiterated that in absence of a consultancy, the Government was prepared to pay the fee of $50,000 owed to the Americans for winning an international competition two years ago to redesign the foreshore.

He said the Government was also willing to compensate the firm for out-of-pocket expenses that had been incurred over the past two years.

"I have had a verbal agreement from a senior partner with the US firm on the issue of compensation," Mr Lewis said.

"Negotiations are continuing on this point and I will make that public once it has been formally agreed to in writing."

Media contact: Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377