Government Reviews Millennium Celebration Plans
The Government has launched an urgent review of plans for a multi-million pound millennium celebration in London.
The National Heritage Secretary Chris Smith confirmed the new administration was "reviewing the position over the Millennium exhibition. Any sensible government would want to do that," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
"I've already put that review in place. I have said it has to happen rapidly because uncertainty is the worst enemy here." he said.
"I want within a month that review to come forward with some conclusions and we will take a decision then. No decision has been taken yet," he added.
Mr Smith fell short of ruling out the possibility of a switch of venue from Greenwich, south east London, to Birmingham.
Asked if the Greenwich site presented insurmountable problems, Mr Smith said: "I don't know the answer to that question yet, I'll only know it once we've had a careful look at the figures in the business plan and the proposals ... in a month's time we will come forward with a conclusion."
|
|
Bottomley concerned
|
The Greenwich project announced by previous Secretary of State Virginia Bottomley, has been in trouble partly because of pre-election doubts about Labour's commitment to the project. Labour fears that the project's budget could spiral out of control.
Ms Bottomley said it was "irresponsible" of Mr Smith to reopen the issue of the Millennium site at such a late date.
"Detailed consideration was given to the site where the nation should celebrate the new millennium and the Labour Party were closely involved in that decision," she said.
"It would be irresponsible and damaging now to have unnecessary delay," she continued. "Contracts have been let, the plans are under way and Britain has a brilliant opportunity to celebrate in our capital city at Greenwich - the place from which time is measured."
|
