The manager of London's One Hyde Park apartment block, one of the world's most expensive addresses, has won a legal battle against construction giant Laing O'Rourke for just over £35 million ($47.98 million) in pipework repairs. The complex, completed in 2011, was developed by British brothers Christian and Nick Candy with Qatari businessman Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani. One apartment is currently on sale for £175 million ($240 million).
Lawyers representing One Hyde Park Limited, which owns the freehold, said pipework in the properties became corroded because it was not properly installed. The design and construction were carried out by Laing O'Rourke Construction South Limited, a subsidiary of Laing O'Rourke.
Laing O'Rourke Construction South Limited denied that the pipework was in disrepair but did not send representatives to defend the case at a hearing last year. Laing O'Rourke did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Judge Nerys Jefford ruled in favour of One Hyde Park, stating that the pipework — which comprised £34.4 million of the claim's value — had corroded because Laing O'Rourke failed to properly install insulation, meaning it was in breach of contract and liable for remedial works. The judge also ruled in One Hyde Park's favour on the rest of its lawsuit.
A spokesperson for One Hyde Park described the ruling as 'a decisive victory for all the residents at One Hyde Park' and added: 'We are committed to ensuring Laing O'Rourke is held fully accountable and makes full and fair payment for the construction defects it has been found responsible for.'
