Manchester-based architect AEW has now been told to cough up more than £2m in compensation over major technical problems on the waterfront museum project.

The iconic building has been beset by problems relating to its flagship steps and a amphitheatre-style seating area outside the museum.

But it was the collapse of parts of a suspended ceiling that have proved the most costly failure for AEW.

Justice Akenhead had previously ordered awarded £1.12m in damages for external seating changes making up the first part of a total £3.2m claim from the museum.

The architect has already secured a £205,080 contribution towards the total bill from joint venture main contractors PIHL and Galliford Try who were also deemed partially responsible for some of the problems.

Weeks before the museum’s opening in 2011, a large number of ceiling panels fell down in the Creative City gallery, injuring a workman and damaging the exhibition.

Panels in other areas of the building were found to be hanging down and in danger of collapse.

In another incident in January 2012, high winds dislodged further ceiling tiles, with one hitting a visitor on the shoulder.

AEW admitted fault for the ceiling which partially collapsed.

The judge also ruled that the museum should be covered by the architects against any potential claim arising from injuries to the workman.