When the old Beecroft Art Gallery (opposite
the Cliffs Pavilion) was threatened with demolition I was pleased to campaign
for its retention. Instead of a block of flats we have still the sight of a
beautiful old building, a piece of heritage rescued from the wrecking ball. I
paid my part in this victory for common sense, and whilst I was not alone in
campaigning for its preservation (and listing) I do take some pride in its still
here today existence.
I was also pleased to hear of plans to
repair the building and put it back into use. I support the arts locally, and
am pleased with plans to restore the building and to use it for artists’
studios,
However, I am a little shocked at the
sums involved. I remain to be convinced that this represents value for money to
the taxpayer who is ultimately footing the bill.
The projected costs are eye-watering:
Design:
£80k
Design contingency: £44k
Construction: £682k
Construction contingency: £34k
Other:
£35k
This give a grand total of £875k.
This seems excessive. For instance,
£80,000 (and potentially £124,000) to ‘design’ an already existing
structure! Does it really cost that to re-imagine painted walls and new
carpets?
Why the enormous sum for construction?
It is already built. I know that some remedial work will be needed, not least
to fix the apparent subsidence, but really? It makes one’s mind boggle.
Whatever the costs I hope local,
Southend, labour is used. I also wonder whether the contracts will be awarded
to companies now run by former council employees.
I think we need a little more detail on
what these enormous sums will actually result in, and transparency too.
