NZ PM says SkyCity center needs more government money

New Zealand’s prime minister says Auckland’s SkyCity convention center will be an “eyesore” unless the government pumps more cash into the project.

Local media reported that Prime Minister John Key said the government is looking to help the casino operator, which has struggled to meet the cost of the project, realize its grand plans.

Key said the $402-million convention center, which SkyCity agreed to build in return for concessions on its gambling licences, has thrown up challenges after the company announced it needed between $70 million to $130 million to complete it.

"But the escalation in prices to build the convention centre, which is bigger than was proposed and is flasher than what was proposed, means there's a hole," Key was quoted as saying by the online publication Stuff.co.nz.

Key added that rather than building a "smaller and less attractive" building the goverment will look to raising the funds needed

"Obviously we would like to get on with it as soon as possible," Key said.

 

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