Westminster City Council's deputy leader Melvyn Caplan has resigned with immediate effect after costs for the Marble Arch Mound by MVRDV spiralled from £3.3 million to £6 million.
In a statement, Westminster City Council leader Rachael Robathan called the increase in costs "unacceptable" and said the Mound ? a temporary landscaped viewpoint designed by Dutch studio MVRDV ? opened too early.
"The Mound opened too early, and we have apologised for that," Robathan said.
"It has become clear that costs have risen more than anticipated and that is totally unacceptable. Our original forecast cost was £3.3 million. Total costs are now £6 million, covering every aspect of the project: construction, operation and eventual removal." The Marble Arch Mound designed by MVRDV went over budget by almost £3 million
The project, which was led by Caplan, was originally projected to cost £2.5 million, with additional operating costs of £0.8 million.
While operating costs have remained at £0.8 million, the total design, build and removal costs for the structure have snowballed to £5.2 million.
Internal review launched
The council has also launched an internal review to look into the problems that have beset the project, which drew criticism due to its unfinished appearance when it opened in July.
"With regret, I have accepted the resignation of my deputy leader, Melvyn Caplan, who led the Mound project," Robathan said. "We have also insti...