A West Cumbrian demolition firm is suing a conservation specialist over claims it has not been paid in full for work carried out at Maryport’s former Christ Church.
West Lakes Demolition was contracted to reduce the floor level of the former church in Maryport and remove over 300 tonnes of waste soil and debris so the building could house the town’s maritime museum.
A new concrete floor was installed in November as part of the contract, which the firm had signed with Aura Heritage.
After completing the floor installation, West Lakes Demolition claimed it was told by Aura that it could not afford to pay for the flooring work due to financial difficulties.
West Lakes Demolition managing director Kyle Barlow said: “Once the work was completed, they stopped paying us and rejected all method of contact for payment, so my company has opened three separate court cases against Aura for the outstanding balance which runs into tens of thousands of pounds.
“Thankfully my business is in a strong position, so no jobs have been lost.”
The former Allerdale council acquired Christ Church in 2020 before winning more than £1 million of government funding for its conversion as part of the Maryport Maritime Project. Planning permission for the change from church to museum was granted in 2022.
Cumberland Council is now leading the project following local government reorganisation, with Cheadle-based Aura Heritage appointed to deliver the scheme.
Mr Barlow said: “I know that the council did try to contact Aura when I raised the missed payments, however I have not heard anything for weeks despite completing the agreed work at substantial cost to my business.
“This has given me no choice but to take the legal route to reclaim the money owed to my business through the courts.
A spokesman for Aura Heritage said: “We strongly dispute the allegations made.
“We work extremely closely with the council project team and have been fully open and transparent with them.
“Payments due to subcontractors are being made in accordance with agreed contract terms.
“All contractors are being treated fairly and due payments are not being unreasonably withheld.
“Aura Heritage Ltd are fully committed to the successful completion of the project and are on track to do so.”
A Cumberland Council spokesman said: “We are aware of some issues between contractors working on the project and are confident that these are being managed appropriately.
“Our team is in frequent contact with the main contractor’s senior management and everyone is committed to completing the project as quickly as possible and to the highest possible standard.”
Maryport Maritime Museum is due to open in spring.
