The Prime Minister says he can't rule out the possibility the cost of the planned Christchurch Convention Centre will rise.
John Key made the comment in Christchurch this afternoon, when questioned about the potential cost to the taxpayer of the SkyCity Convention Centre in Auckland.
The centre in Christchurch is one of the city's anchor rebuild projects and the Government has pledged $284 million towards its construction.
Construction is expected to start this year and be done by 2017.
Mr Key said he would like to see it completed but conceded today that the cost could escalate.