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Another setback for Cultural Centre
The long-awaited opening of Eastbourne's new Cultural Centre has been hit by yet another delay.
Contractors were due to finish work on the prestigious state-of-the-art building next to the Congress Theatre at the end of this month, but that has now been delayed until the end of April.
The 8.5 million building is still on target to open its doors to the public in autumn this year — a year behind schedule.
Council bosses said this week they were disappointed at the latest delay but said contractors were working round the clock to finish the work.
The contract now allows Eastbourne Borough Council to take damages arising from delays.
"We are disappointed the building is not completed yet," said Eastbourne Borough Council leader David Tutt.
"The main building contractor has told us it expects the work to be completed by the end of April and we then need to fit out the building and ensure the environmental systems are running to their optimum level.
"We are delighted with the building so far and both the council and its partners are determined not to compromise quality for speed of completion at this stage."
The Cultural Centre has been hit by a series of setbacks since building work began and concerns have been raised over the apparent slow progress on the project.
Negotiations are also still underway between contractors, the design team and the four organisations — the council, the Arts Council, SEEDA and the Heritage Lottery Fund — funding the centre over a bill for 'extras'.
The building still remains largely shrouded in its protective sheeting and contractors say behind that, the building is taking shape.
The white external render is complete throughout the building and the internal walls have been plastered and painted. Inside the building, the gallery ceilings and light boxes have been put in place, internal doors are on, the feature steel staircase is being put in, the list is now installed and working and services are currently being tested.
All the resin floors are finished with wooden flooring being laid next week.
Councillor Tutt added, "We are delighted with the high quality of the design of the building and the finishes and look forward to it being completed and becoming a landmark building for Eastbourne."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 11 February 2012
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