The V&A in Dundee will be completed on budget, the museum director has vowed.
In a heated press conference on Friday, Philip Long denied costs for the project arespiralling out of control claims which prompted Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison to say critics of the project would be forced to “eat humble pie” once it is completed.
Mr Long said: “We have always been open about the budget. It remains as is and we expect to deliver for that.
“We have been able to demonstrate that we have secured these (financial)commitments and that the project issustainable in the long term. This project is set to be produced on budget.”
The row overshadowed theannouncement of a £9.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
However, Ms Robison said the project will be a success and that construction work is on track to start this summer
She said: “There were maybe those that wondered why Dundee had got the V&A and I am hoping they will be eating humble pie when they see it coming to fruition.
“The Heritage Lottery Fundannouncement is a major milestone in the rest of the funding for the project.It is one of the biggest opportunities the city has ever seen and we are entering the home straight.”
The project is now just over £15m away from raising the total funds for its capital budget of £45m.
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