Clover Moore’s $11.3m Cloud Arch sculpture may blow out even more
CITY of Sydney’s $11.3 million Cloud Arch sculpture — which has already blown out by $8 million — could potentially cost even more yet.
NSW
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CITY of Sydney’s $11.3 million Cloud Arch sculpture — which has already blown out by $8 million — could potentially cost even more yet.
Former deputy mayor Kerryn Phelps warned that the controversial artwork must go “back to the drawing board” if it costs one cent more, after Lord Mayor Clover Moore refused to rule out further expenses to the structure.
That’s despite the furore the proposed 58m high arch sparked among councillors last August when it was revealed the $3.5 million price tag had more than trebled due to “unforeseen constraints”.
The design had to be remodelled due to its incompatibility with the light rail and transport infrastructure located beneath George Street.
When asked by Cr Phelps to confirm no more cost increases would be brought to council, Ms Moore told a council meeting the artwork’s final price would not be known until after bidders for the arch fabric and installation had been decided.
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Cr Phelps said she wasn’t confident the $11.3 million prediction would be final due to her belief the George Street dig would uncover more unmapped utilities.
“If their estimate goes ... beyond the $11.3 million price tag I think we really have to go back to the drawing board,” she said.