Hydro venue 'will open on time'

The Hydro arena is being built next to the SECC in Glasgow

The operators of Scotland's new 12,000-seat entertainment arena have said the venue will open on time despite reports that it is months behind schedule.

The Hydro will be part of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) complex in Glasgow.

Newspaper reports said pop concerts could be cancelled over legal wrangles with the contractor Lend Lease.

A spokesman for SECC said there was "no legal dispute" that would prevent the scheduled opening in September.

It added: "We will be announcing a very high-profile opening act for Scotland's new home of live entertainment very shortly."

The first concert currently advertised for the new arena is opera singer Andrea Bocelli on 15 September.

Two large stage shows - Peter Pan and Jesus Christ Superstar - and music legends Fleetwood Mac are also planned for the first month.

Pop stars Jessie J and Peter Gabriel are lined up to play the arena, which is sited next to the SECC on the north bank of the river Clyde, in October.

The Herald newspaper said there was a dispute between the SECC and primary contractor Lend Lease over payments.

A SECC spokesman said the claims were "out of date".