Kier was due to start work this month on the new home for the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team.
But technical problems with planning documents have delayed construction.
Developer Greenbank Partnership is behind the 3,000-seat ice arena at Cardiff Bay’s International Sports Village.
It forms the first phase of a much larger £250m scheme, which includes a 250m snow indoor ski slope, built above a 1,300-space multi-storey car park and shopping centre.
Further phases also include a 32-storey landmark tower, luxury hotel and flats.
Jonathan Smith, of Greenbank Partnerships, told walesonline: “The earliest we could have possibly made a start was August.
“Unfortunately planning permission was not realised until June 17 as it took nearly two months to get the legal documents signed.
“Since then we have been on a fairly tight timescale.
“We are now in contract with Kier to get a fixed price.
“It’s a 12-week process for Kier to process all the sub-contracts. By September that should lead to a final build contract, with a start in December or January.
“There is a commitment across the board to deliver it and I want to get it right for everyone.”
Construction is expected to last 16 months meaning the new arena will not open until after the 2014/15 ice hockey season.
Cardiff Devils owner Paul Ragan said: “I’m disheartened a little bit by it. It’s not quite what I expected, but it’s important we get it right and it’s important we stick together.
