Moncton taps international firm to oversee centre's construction

Monctoncouncillorstapped WTP Consultants, an international firm, to oversee the construction of the $107-million downtown sports and entertainment centre.

The consultants, which are based in the United Kingdom andAustralia with offices around the world,won the bid to oversee the construction of the centre over two other firms.

The city says its confidence in the company is based on a track record of managing billion-dollar projects.

"We've been able to attract one of the world's most knowledgeable and experienced independent certifiers," said JacquesDub, thecity manager.

WTP Consultants' experience includes projects in China, India and Sweden.

Moncton is planning to build a new downtown sports and entertainment centre on the former Highfield Square property on Main Street. The 7,500-seat facility will become the new home of the Moncton Wildcats.

The project is estimated to cost $107 million.

An independent certifier with the company will oversee the construction of the downtown sports and entertainment complex.

Dub saidthe certifier will work with the city's project manager and the builder,Bird Construction.

"It's a very important position to make sure that the design build contract and the cost associated with that $94millionis actually being undertaken," he said.

Tanya Carter, the city's purchasing manager,was part of the committee that reviewed proposals from six companies.

Carter says WTP Consultants bid was just over $170,000 andmany of the bids were close.

"There were three firms that were, literally, a few hundred dollars difference between each other," she said.

Dubsaidbefore the certifier can begin,two contracts to close the deal with Bird Construction will be signed on Wednesday.