Issue - meetings

To be advised of the outcome of the tender process for works and to consider making an additional budget allocation as this Council’s contribution towards increased costs.

RESOLVED:

That an additional budget of £33,618 be approved to allow the project at Eling Tide Mill and Learning Centre to proceed.

The Cabinet recalled that on 8 September 2014 (Minute 24 refers), the Council had adopted a Cabinet recommendation to the effect that this Council should become the Accountable Body to progress works to the Eling Tide Mill and Learning Centre, to be largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  A budget contribution of £165,000 had also been agreed as this Council’s contribution to the scheme, with 83% of the total cost being met by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

The project had proved more complex than expected, leading to delays, which had contributed to the costs of the project, as established through a tendering process, significantly exceeding the original budget.  The shortfall against the budget was £398,135.  The Heritage Lottery Fund had been approached to seek a further contribution towards the cost of the project, on the basis of them meeting the same proportion, 83% of the total cost, as the original funding arrangement.  The Heritage Lottery Fund had now agreed to pay this contribution, which amounted to £330,900.  An additional budget contribution of £33,618 was needed from this Council to allow the project to proceed.  Totton and Eling Town Council was also contributing towards the increased cost.

RESOLVED:

That an additional budget of £33,618 be approved to allow the project at Eling Tide Mill and Learning Centre to proceed.