TAXPAYERS will be forced to provide extra funding to finish Liverpool's new waterfront arena after it emerged there was a £9m hole in its coffers.
Despite insisting the ACC Liverpool project is "on time and on budget" the management team wants more money to pay for cladding the building as well as the creation of a piazza.
The extra cash will also mean the Kings Dock venue can be fitted with the very latest sound equipment to ensure it can compete with rival operators and cover the cost of other minor work.
Liverpool City Council will fund part of the shortfall with the rest split between regeneration and government agencies.
The authority is keen to make sure the project is finished to the highest standards because of the huge economic benefits the dozens of conferences, concerts and events will bring to the city.
But last night Liverpool's Labour leader, Joe Anderson, criticised arena officials for failing "to do their sums".
He told the Daily Post: "They have told us time and again that they are on budget yet now they are asking for extra money.
"What will it be next? 'Oh we forgot to budget for the roof'?
"They should have done their homework properly. We wouldn't accept this from the private sector.
"It's a good job there is some government money available so the burden doesn't just fall on council tax payers."
Despite the setback,
the arena is still on schedule to be up and running in time for January 08 when it will stage the opening ceremony for Liverpool's Capital of Culture year.
It will also generate millions for the region's hotels and restaurants by hosting major international conferences.
Already it has secured 32 conferences during its first year including the British Society of Interventional Radiology.
It has also attracted the European Senior Amateur Boxing Association Championships with many more events still to be announced.
Cllr Mike Storey, Liverpool's executive member for special initiatives, said: "The arena will be delivered on time ready for the opening ceremony for 2008.
"Any additional money will be spent on making sure it is finished to the highest quality standards.
"We want the best possible stadium. It is already hosting secured deals to host 32 blue chip conferences."
Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, last night insisted that the regional backers of the £146m scheme were happy with its progress.
He said: "There are some additional costs but we always envisaged having them at some stage as the costs were less certain 18 months ago than now.
"We are very happy with the progress overall and there is no panic about the costs."
The project has been funded by the city council, Liverpool Vision, the North West Development Agency and English Partnerships.
A statement issued on their behalf said: "The Kings Waterfront Partnership is committed to delivering a development of the highest quality and international standards of design and operation.
"The Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACCL) continues to make positive progress and is on schedule to open in January 2008.
"The interest generated and bookings confirmed underline its importance to Liverpool's economy and the city's reputation as visitor destination.
"The additional funding required represents a small percentage of the total cost of the arena and will ensure this vitally important regeneration project maintains highest possible standards of construction, materials and facilities.
"Once operational, the ACC Liverpool will add around £10m per annum to the Liverpool city region economy and support around 2,000 jobs."
samlister@dailypost.co.uk
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