The re-opening of Liverpool's new-look Festival Gardens following a multi-million pound overhaul has been delayed after the main contractor went into administration.

Site owner Langtree now expects the launch of the refurbished gardens to take place in mid-September, having originally been scheduled for next month. It comes after Mayfield Construction was forced into administration as a result of financial difficulties incurred by its parent company, with Langtree now looking for a new contractor.

Langtree managing director John Downes said: "We are sad that Mayfield has found itself in this predicament having almost completed the works necessary at the site. "We are now working very hard behind the scenes to identify a new contractor to complete the works and we hope to have some positive news very soon."

The scheme has included the rejuvenation of two pagodas in the oriental gardens, the Moon Wall and lakes and waterways, along with the removal of undergrowth.