Gateshead Quayside Arena's future is uncertain amid spiraling costs and delays. The project, which has been plagued by issues for years, has become a prominent eyesore on the south bank of the Tyne. Reform UK's new leadership in Gateshead has warned of 'uncomfortable decisions' ahead, with the possibility of pulling away from the vision if deemed poor value. The project has been plagued by spiraling costs and delays for years, with building work yet to start on a development site. North East mayor Kim McGuinness pledged a £24 million investment earlier this year to fund infrastructure works that she hopes will 'derisk' the scheme for private investors and put it back on track. However, the idea of also building an international conference centre has been dropped to cut costs. The combined authority stepped in to carry out a study to determine whether the Quays vision was still viable or not. Fiona Pearce, Reform's new deputy council leader in Gateshead, has cautioned that the new-look local authority could yet pull away from the vision if it deems it poor value. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that she had asked AI to analyse the publicly-available financial figures surrounding the arena development and warned that 'uncomfortable decisions' may have to be made. The project has been a contentious issue in Gateshead, with some arguing that it is a 'vanity project' that is not worth the cost. Others have argued that it is a vital part of the town's regeneration plans and will bring in much-needed investment and jobs. The future of the project remains uncertain, with many questions still to be answered. Will the project go ahead as planned, or will it be scrapped due to spiraling costs and delays? Only time will tell.