COUNCIL chiefs in Edinburgh have ordered an inquiry into leaks – from the roof of its multi-million-pound headquarters.
Contractors who built the local authority's new HQ next to Waverley Station have been drafted in to investigate a spate of incidents involving the roofs.
Waverley Court – billed as the most environmentally friendly building in Edinburgh – has s
pecially designed grass-covered roofs that collect rainwater to be recycled for street cleaning.
However, The Scotsman understands there has been growing concern about leaks, said to have reached their height several weeks ago during a downpour.
One meeting room, where the leaks are said to be most severe, has been out of use for weeks.
At first the council blamed the construction company Miller for the leaks, insisting it was responsible and would carry out any repairs. However, Miller who were staff called in by the council found gutters had not been properly cleaned.
It is thought more regular inspections of the roofs are to be carried out, particularly if bad weather is forecast.
Andrew Holmes, director of city development at the council, said: "
The issues with the roof of Waverley Court are just teething problems and are quite normal in a new building.
"We are working with our building managers to address these issues as soon as possible."
The council refused to say how long the leaks had been going on, what repairs had cost so far or whether the council was in dispute with Miller.
A spokeswoman for Miller said: "As a matter of course Miller carries out follow-up inspections on all its new buildings, and is committed to ensuring this building's high standards are maintained."
The building has won a number of awards for its environmental credentials, but has been dogged by controversy. Under a deal with Network Rail and developer Morley Fund Management, the council secured a long lease on the building, located on a former station car park.
But critics of the height and modern design of the building were angered when the local authority was able to approve plans for its headquarters without the approval of ministers.
When the building opened in November 2006, it emerged staff had been issued with a 30-page set of rules banning anyone leaving pictures of loved ones on their desks or brightening up the office with pot plants.
