Pavilion runs out of money

Construction has stopped on the two new wings of the building due to a lack of funds.

Sources close to the project were this week unwilling to divulge the extent of the shortfall but expressed "real concern".

Pavilion officials confirmed building has been delayed due to "unexpected extra costs" incurred during the restoration.

They say further funding is expected "imminently".

The unfinished sections, including an education studio and staff offices, are currently empty shells.

Contractor Heasman Spicer has stopped work on the new parts of the pavilion until the money is found but continues to work in the main building.

Workers will be "brought back in the push towards final completion," when further funding is secured, said an official statement.

The pavilion reopened in October last year after an 8 million refit - over a month behind schedule.

Features including the new galleries, a packed entertainment and education programme, the restaurant and roof top terrace attracted over 64,000 visitors in just two months following the relaunch. Yet significant portions of the iconic building remain incomplete.

The Observer approached officials for a figure on the shortfall and an estimate on when the money would be found.

We received this statement response: "It is inevitable that a project of this scale incurs unexpected extra costs particularly with a building of this nature sited on the seafront and all the wear and tear that its position implies.

"In order to sustain the status that befits this grade one listed building, we have to make sure that the repair and restoration is once and for all.

"As a result of these extra costs, we have had to take stock of the finances that are available for the two new buildings and the need to secure additional funds towards their completion later this year.

"As with the rest of the project, we are seeking support from national, as opposed to local, resources . As a consequence, our contractors are still working in the main building, but are reducing their level of activity until we are confident that we have secured that funding to bring them back for the push towards final completion.

"As we have said before, the building on the road side is our community and education studio. Eddie Izzard's sold out gigs are for the benefit of this studio. In the mean time, our education programme happens in other spaces in the building and, of course, in schools and other places.

"The building on the south side will be our administration offices. At the moment, we are working out of Off-Site."

Members of Rother's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee were told by Rother director of services, Tony Leonard, on Monday night: "Whilst Rother District Council have not directly funded or managed the capital programme it is important to note there is a projected shortfall for the capital project.

"The trust has currently halted construction until they can secure the funding to complete the two new pavilions."

Members were presented with a confidential copy of the Pavilion Trust's annual review, but say they were not given an exact figure on the shortfall.

Rother provides a 500,000 a year revenue grant to the Pavilion Trust for the provision of services.

Mr Leonard said: "It is imperative to ensure this investment is being properly monitored as failure to do so could lead to funds being released but obligations not being met."