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Taxpayers have already paid $2.25million over the last three years for the arch
The 58-metre-high steel archway to be situated in front of Sydney's Town Hall
The arch originally cost $3.5million but increased to a staggering $22million

By Nicole Pierre For Daily Mail Australia and Aap

Published: 04:20 EST, 7 December 2018 | Updated: 04:22 EST, 7 December 2018

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A controversial multi-million Cloud Arch sculpture in Sydney's CBD could be scrapped before it even gets off the ground.

Taxpayers have already paid $2.25million over the last three years for the 58-metre-high steel archway, which is slated to be situated in front of Sydney's Town Hall and Queen Victoria Building.

Now the arch, which was originally estimated to cost $3.5million but increased to a staggering $22million, could be axed despite three years of work.

Taxpayers have already paid $2.25million over the last three years for the Cloud Arch sculpture (artist's impression pictured) which is slated to be situated in front of Sydney's Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building

The cost of the Cloud Arch sculpture has reportedly increased recently because of design changes associated with Sydney's light rail (stock image)

The costs have been inflated due to redesigns, approval fees and additional costs to artists and project managers, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Papers shared with the publication ahead of City of Sydney's council meeting said the cost had increased again because of design changes associated with the light rail construction.

City of Sydney councillors will vote next week on whether to cancel the tender for the steel sculpture until after construction of the light rail.

'The cost to deliver Cloud Arch has increased due to a number of factors and challenges outside the City of Sydney’s control,' a council spokeswoman said.

She added: 'Regrettably due to the many factors that are out of the City’s control, the City does not believe the cost of Cloud Arch represents the best return for public funds at this time'.

Council will vote at their next meeting on December 10.