More than half of the millions of pounds owed to Liverpool Council to the company operating the venue hosting the Labour Party conference has been repaid.
Documents released ahead of the city council’s cabinet meeting next week have set out how a new long-term governance and lease arrangement for the ACC Liverpool Group is to be established, reducing financial burden on taxpayers. This comes in the aftermath of a review by Local Partnerships which recommended a series of improvements to reduce the financial risk to the local authority.
The amount owed has already reduced from £7.1m to £3.46m, with a further £1.1m to be paid shortly. Under the terms, Liverpool Council will no longer have to make good any losses made by the company and will receive enhanced full commercial rent for the complex and will also benefit from a profit share after the outstanding rent has been repaid.
Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy said: “The Arena, Convention and Exhibition Centre have provided an incredible boost for the city and the complex is a major success story for Liverpool. We want to make sure it continues to make a major contribution to our visitor economy, and the new lease and governance arrangement commit the Council to retaining ownership of these assets.