Costs for construction of an ambitious cultural centre in a Grade II listed building have soared by more than £3 million.

Challenges posed by the Covid-19 crisis and the renovation of a historic property - along with the risks associated with a no-deal Brexit - mean the Amelia Scott project in Tunbridge Wells is now expected to cost £19.3 million to deliver.

The latest estimate for the scheme is up from the £16.1 million projected in October last year - and it means Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) will now have to pay a further £2 million.

Kent County Council has also agreed to contribute an additional £900,000 of capital funding to be delivered over three years.

On Monday the TWBC overview and scrutiny committee received an update on the project, which will combine the town's museum and art gallery, library, adult education centre and tourist information when it opens in April 2022.

The report given to the committee explained that a financial review into the likely budget was conducted because of higher than anticipated fit-out costs and the underlying impact of both the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.

Among the challenges to emerge during the building work on the site on Monson Road, which began in January, were the discovery of potentially hazardous asbestos and incorrect budgeting for facade repairs.

A warning was also given in relation to Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, with the report stating: "Allowances have been included for increased costs resulting from Brexit but the full impact of Brexit are unknown.

"This risk will potentially have the greatest impact on the exhibition/library fit-out contracts that will be tendered after the transitional period in early 2021."

Cllr Jane March, TWBC portfolio holder for culture, leisure and economic development, says both borough and county councils remain committed to the vision for the project despite the budget challenges.

She said: "The development of The Amelia Scott sits at the heart of the vision we have for the borough to grow as a cultural centre and be recognised nationally for its vibrant cultural provision.

"Both TWBC and KCC are determined to deliver the original vision. Clearly there has never been a more difficult time, but never a more important time to complete the Amelia Scott."

Although the committee discussed the major issues facing the project in public this week, detailed matters relating to financial or business elements of the scheme were discussed by councillors in private.

Cllr Chris Woodward, who chairs the committee, said the council will do all it can to seek additional funding from bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund to offset expense to the local authority.

He said: "We want to make this a really great draw for the town. The feeling is 'let's get on with it' and hopefully have some success in the extra fundraising."

TWBC hopes the new cultural hub will play a key role in the economic recovery of the town, with their estimates predicting the Amelia Scott could attracting around 500,000 visitors each year.

Cllr Hugo Pound, ward member for Sherwood who also sits on the overview and scrutiny committee, said: "Tunbridge Wells Labour councillors are supportive of the Amelia development and believe it will bring a new cultural and social dimension to the town.

"We will continue to challenge the council - not known for its effectiveness in managing expensive projects - on its cost, and look forward to seeing the completed development come in on budget."

The centre is named for a former suffragette and vice-president of the town's National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, who became one of the first two women to be elected to Tunbridge Wells Town Council in 1919.

Ms Scott, who was born in 1860 and died in 1952, worked at hostels and social housing in the town.

In 2014 a plaque recognising her important role in the town's history was unveiled by University of Kent's Dr Anne Logan at her former home in London Road, Southborough.

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