According to Worcester News, Council chiefs are scrambling for a new cash injection worth a reported £545,000 for the Worcester Cathedral Square revamp after costs for the budgeted project went over by more than half a million.
The revamp, which will see a new shopping centre, gym, restaurants and an open piazza, was originally budgeted at £1.6 million but new additions have caused the spending to run over, now putting it at £2.1million.
A report for the Worcester Labour cabinet is suggesting the money come from the New Homes Bonus, government cash that was given in return for property development. At the moment, the city council is to pay a maximum of £100,000 with County Hall forced to pick up any additional costs. Worcester City Council leader, Adrian Gregson, said:
“What we’re concerned about is making sure we’ve got the best design, best materials and that it’s delivered on time.
“That’s the focus, making sure the development is successful, our role is to guard and champion an important scheme which will benefit the city as a whole.
“We’re putting a lot of time and resources into it in conjunction with our partners.”
