The British government was today forced to seek new bidders to take over the controversial Millennium Dome attraction.
For the second time, ministers have had to admit that talks over the future of the giant structure on the River Thames in London have failed after they could not reach agreement with the Legacy consortium.
Legacy, which are backed by Irish company Treasury Holdings, had proposed to transform the site into a hi-tech business park in a £125 million pound sterling (euro 200 million) deal.
Last September Japanese venture capital firm Nomura International withdrew from talks to take over the Dome because of uncertainty over what assets it would be inheriting.
The new setback in the troubled history of the attraction, which has been closed since December 31, is a fresh embarrassment for the British government.
Legacy was reported to have had trouble in attracting a team of investors considered solid enough by ministers to take over the running of the high-profile site.
AFP