The cost of carrying out long-awaited repairs to Aberdeen’s Town House roof has spiralled in the last 12 months.
A new paper has shown the current anticipated figure for completing the restoration work on the Victorian A-listed building has risen to £4,268,055, an increase of more than £1.7m from last year.
Work began on the renovation, including masonry repairs to all roof areas and renovations to the clock tower, in August 2014, but the project has suffered numerous delays.
The upgrade came more than a year after lead fell from the roof of the building at the corner of Castle Street and Broad Street.
The original price was set at £1.2million, but by last year, the total allocated funding had risen to £2.5million.
And, in September, the council’s finance committee approved an additional £1.7m.
However, a new leaked paper reveals the new figure stands at more than £4m – with a warning that the costs could increase even further.
A completion date for the project has been set for September 30.
But opposition politicians have now questioned whether contractors will hit their targets.
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn described the building as “the crown jewel of Union Street” and called for update boards to be reintroduced to keep a track of projects.
He said: “We have known for a long time this project is running well over budget, so this comes as no surprise.
“What’s the biggest issue is that this administration is happy to announce extra funds for Union Street, but is seemingly ignoring the town house roof.
“I think anyone would be foolhardy to suggest it will be definitely be done then and, given the weather, we are accustomed to in winter.
“Prior planning is one thing that could be improved but the key thing is to reintroduce project boards to keep members up to date.
“The reality is that Labour have turned a blind eye to this.”
However, Labour finance convener Willie Young said the funds were “essential” and would save taxpayers money in the long run.
He added: “We need to complete the work to a high standard, so we don’t have to spend time doing it again and again.
“When the SNP were in power, they didn’t invest in the town house which has led us to this situation.”