UK architecture firm sues Dubai Properties over fees - The National Newspaper

A top British architecture company is suing Dubai Properties Group for more than Dh27 million (US$7.3m) of allegedly unpaid fees and costs over a stalled pair of towers in Dubai’s financial centre.

Hopkins Architects, an architectural and engineering company, has lodged its claim in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. Disputes between developers and contractors have arisen across the Emirates after the sudden decline of the property market in late 2008 began to affect sales of units in new projects. More disputes have also arisen between developers and buyers.

Central Park 08 was to be twin buildings, of about 50 storeys each, close to the Gate building in the DIFC. Hopkins was hired in May 2005 by Dubai Properties with a contract worth Dh50.8m.Hopkins also designed the Gate Village next to the DIFC, a set of buildings that includes offices and the Capital Club. Hopkins alleges it is owed Dh27m, including overtime, loss of profit, costs incurred from changes to plans and other expenses.