Published Thursday, 26 January 2012
As a High Court winding up order was made against his firm Marcus Ward Ltd, businessman Peter Curistan predicted the showpiece Belfast development could be left near-empty just as the neighbouring Titanic visitor centre prepares to open.
Up to 30 jobs will also be lost as a result of the action, he warned.
Mr Curistan said: "They are going to have a derelict Odyssey Pavilion, with a poorly performing Odyssey Arena."
Marcus Ward Ltd, which held leases for two units in the complex, was not represented as HM Revenue and Customs was granted a winding up petition.
Mr Curistan, the developer behind the Odyssey entertainment centre, expressed his dismay at the outcome.
But he also hit out at Anglo Irish Bank, with whom he is locked in a wider legal battle over disputed multi-million pound debts, and the administrator brought in as part of the restructuring of businesses linked to the Odyssey Pavilion.
He claimed the project he oversaw as a key millennium scheme was now in jeopardy.
According to Mr Curistan, events have now "destroyed the asset which is going to be next door to the Titanic signature project".
He added: "Our politicians have failed to understand the implications or do anything about it.
"In winding up Marcus Ward Ltd, it has put another 20-30 people on the dole to add to the misery of young Belfast people."
It also emerged on Thursday that the businessman has written to the administrator claiming attempts have been made to exclude him from the Odyssey.
The correspondence also alleges overall management of the Pavilion has been neglected, leading to a reduction in clientele.