Other London cultural projects also in doubt as the government reviews its funding pledges
The future of a number of major cultural capital projects in London are in doubt, according to reports.
Culture minister Barbara Follett told the Times newspaper that the government could no longer guarantee 拢22.5m promised to the British Museum in December 2007. It was to go towards construction of a 拢135m exhibition centre at the museum.
She said: 鈥淚t's very much on my mind. Both the secretary of state [Andy Burnham] and I are in discussions with them. It's a great idea and we would love to support it, but it's very difficult at the moment.鈥�
The comment also puts in doubt the future of the planned 拢215m Tate Modern extension, to which the government had pledged over 拢70m. It has already received a first funding slice of 拢50m.
It also bodes ill for the South Bank, which is trying to raise funds for a new national film centre. There are too many schemes bidding for too little money, Follett said.
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