The deputy leader of Westminster City Council has resigned after the total costs for the beleagured Marble Arch Mound nearly doubled to £6 million.
The mound opened as a free attraction on August 9 after opening to a flood of criticism on July 26 following what the council called “teething problems”.
The council’s leader, Rachael Robathan, said in a statement on Friday her deputy Melvyn Caplan had resigned with immediate effect after a “totally unacceptable” rise in costs.
“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 £6m, covering every aspect of the project: construction, operation and eventual removal.
“With regret, I have accepted the resignation of my deputy leader, Melvyn Caplan, who led the Mound project. We have also instigated a thorough internal review to understand what went wrong and ensure it never happens again”
The 25-metre mound, planned by Dutch architect company MVRDV, was designed to give views of Oxford Street Hyde Park, Mayfair and Marylebone.
It is part of a scheme to increase footfall in the shopping district as lockdown restrictions ease.
“We are determined to continue our hard work to restore our city’s vibrancy, bring back visitors and ensure people can keep their jobs,” Ms Robathan said on Friday.
“Doing nothing was never an option. So when the Mound fully reopens in September, I hope that people will come and see it for themselves. The Mound may delight or divide views and that’s ok, but we’re confident that in the end it will fulfil its original brief – to get people back into the West End and remind them of why this is a world class City.”
Mr Caplan has served as councillor for Little Venice Ward since 1990, with the Conservative also a former leader of the council.