The costs connected with a design team involved in Paisley Town Hall’s transformation have risen by more than half-a-million pounds.
Refurbishment of the landmark venue – described by Renfrewshire Council as a 19th-century “architectural gem” – is due to finish in the summer, with the building expected to reopen in time to host events during the Royal National Mòd in October.
However, elected members have been informed specific fees associated with the ambitious project have increased considerably because of a number of different “challenges” which have been encountered.
These have included the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, delays to the completion of construction from November 2022 until June this year, variations to the works due to the building’s condition and additional consultant services needed to cope with the volume of change.
As a result, the costs for services carried out by the design team, which includes four consultants, have risen from a previously approved fee of £738,519 to a revised £1.282 million.
The change was discussed at a meeting of the finance, resources and customer services policy board on Thursday morning.
Councillor Alison Ann-Dowling, Labour group finance spokesperson, said: “We’ve already had examples of extra unplanned costs like the additional school for Dargavel, which is going to cost us millions to rectify and the cost of a walking and cycling route between Paisley and Renfrew last year, which spiralled by more than £700,000 after works had already started.
“We’re focused on ensuring that every penny is spent wisely, so I’m seeking assurances that at a time of huge cost pressures on council funding and the cost-of-living crisis affecting the people of Renfrewshire that large scale projects are managed with sufficient forward planning built in to avoid unnecessary
costs.”
Councillor David McGonigle, Conservative group finance spokesperson, said: “Paisley Town Hall, as we all know, will be a significant asset for the area and I know local people are looking forward to it being transformed.
“However, I have some concerns over the costs continuing to spiral upwards in relation to this project.
“I’m also looking for some reassurance that it will deliver the value for money for taxpayers that it’s supposed to and if any extra funding is required before it opens we know about it in advance.”
Joe Lynch, the council’s head of property services, said: “In terms of value for money, I can assure that every single line, every variation to any of these consultant contracts, as with the contractor, is comprehensively documented and accounted for...it is all itemised and agreed, every single penny of the extended contracts.”
Hub West Scotland was involved in the early stages of the town hall project.
But it was agreed in November 2019 that it should not continue with the works and a handover back to the council, including the transfer of the design team, was facilitated.
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