TRANSFORMATION of the Civic Hall is now expected to be at least £1.5m over budget and 17 weeks behind schedule.
The latest expensive delay has been blamed on the recent discovery that a large number of the windows will need to be replaced.
Last month a council report warned the civic was running into the red by £1m because of extra works, such as strengthening weak walls, and higher than expected bids for the contract.
Councillors were given an update on the situation by executive director for development David Kennedy at a Regeneration meeting in the town hall this week.
Mr Kennedy said he had calculated a realistic figure which he hoped could be lowered, but admitted there was no guarantee that costs would not rise even further.
