THE transformation of the Civic Hall is £1m over budget and is three months behind schedule. Construction began in March and the builders are only half way through the job. It was expected to open to the public in autumn 2007.
The budget for the project had been set at £11m and most of the money has come from Europe and Yorkshire Forward.
But a council report has revealed the structure of the building is in such a poor state that costs have spiralled and the council will have to make up the difference if additional funding cannot be secured. It states: “This cost overrun has resulted from higher than expected prices for key packages of works, unforeseen necessary works, and associated fees.”
An original estimate for the delay was given as eight to ten weeks but the council's director for development David Kennedy has admitted ‘several’ more weeks will need to be added onto the schedule.
