Ħamrun Spartans Ordered to Pay Architect €17.7k

Court Orders Ħamrun Spartans to Pay Architect €17.7k

In a recent court ruling that has Malta’s construction industry, Ħamrun Spartans Football Club has been ordered to pay an architect a hefty sum of €17,700. The case, which has been ongoing for several years, revolves around unpaid fees for services rendered during the design phase of the club’s new stadium in Ħamrun.

Unpaid Fees and Delays

Dr. Joseph Fenech, the architect at the heart of this dispute, was engaged by Ħamrun Spartans to design their new stadium back in 2014. The project, which was initially estimated to cost around €2 million, was meant to be a state-of-the-art facility that would cater to the club’s growing fan base. However, as the project progressed, Dr. Fenech alleges that the club failed to pay him for his services, leading to a series of delays and eventual legal action.

In his court testimony, Dr. Fenech stated, “I worked tirelessly on this project, providing Ħamrun Spartans with detailed designs and plans. I expected to be paid for my work, but unfortunately, that was not the case.” He added, “I had no choice but to take legal action to recover the fees I was owed.”

Court’s Decision

In her decision, Judge Abigail Lofaro ruled in favor of Dr. Fenech, stating that Ħamrun Spartans had indeed failed to pay the architect for his services. She ordered the club to pay Dr. Fenech a total of €17,700, plus interest, within 30 days. The judge also awarded Dr. Fenech legal costs.

Reacting to the decision, Ħamrun Spartans issued a statement saying, “We respect the court’s decision and will comply with the order. We are currently reviewing our financial records to ensure that this matter is resolved promptly.”

The club’s new stadium, located on Triq il-Kbira in Ħamrun, remains unfinished despite the court ruling. It is unclear how this development will affect the project’s timeline moving forward.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of timely payments and contractual obligations in the construction industry. It also highlights the potential consequences of delays and disputes, which can not only impact project timelines but also reputations.

For Dr. Fenech, the ruling brings closure to a long-standing issue. “I’m just glad that this matter has finally been resolved,” he said. “I look forward to moving on and focusing on my other projects.”