THE firm of architects that designed Colchester’s unfinished arts facility have welcomed the appointment of a new contractor.

Rafael Vinoly’s London office said Colchester Council was right to take decisive action to get the delayed and over-budget Visual Arts Facility, off Queen ?Street, back on track.

The company said it was looking for ways to save money on construction so the final price-tag did not exceed the latest estimate of £25.5million.

Director John Drew said: “The shell isn’t finished, there’s cladding to be done and none of the glazing is in.

“Surveys are going on because there are quite a few defects.

“We were very upset that, because of contractual difficulties, it’s taken so long to deliver, but we’re delighted the council is taking firm action and is turning the page.

“The council and the Arts Council don’t have bottomless pockets so we’re looking to see where we can find savings.”

The council’s cabinet confirmed this week that Mace, which built the London Eye, would be paid up to £72,000 to find out what needs to be done to complete the project.

It is likely the firm will later be hired to restart work on the building, which has been mothballed since December due to the contractual dispute between the council and Banner Holdings, whose contract was rescinded in April.

Banner has commented on the construction difficulties caused by world-renowned Mr Vinoly’s design for the building, dubbed the “golden banana” because of its shape and colour.

Mr Vinoly’s company has insisted the design is simple and should present no problems to engineers.