The government has decided to stick to the ambitious architectural plans for the new National Stadium, with its two signature arches. But the cost is now expected to balloon to ¥252 billion, an increase of roughly ¥80 billion from the last estimate, government sources said Wednesday.
The centerpiece for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was projected last year to cost almost ¥170 billion, including demolition costs for the stadium it replaces.
The overrun raises questions about whether the plan can win support from critics who have been calling for a change in the design by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.