INVERCLYDE’S new Beacon Arts Centre is costing at least £300,000 more than planned.

The theatre, nearing completion on the Waterfront in Greenock, is being built for around £10million. Hand over of the building – which will replace the Arts Guild -- is expected to take place at the beginning of September.

Inverclyde Council have already agreed to increase its contribution of £2.5million by between £150,000 and £250,000.

A report to councillors states: “The latest cost report anticipates an over-expenditure of £300,992. The contractor, as is usual in these circumstances considers that he is due substantially more than this and protracted negotiations are anticipated before the final account is agreed.

“Because of the anticipated over-expenditure, the Arts Guild approached its major funding partners for assistance in meeting the shortfall. This request was considered by the Policy and Resources

Committee at its meeting on 27 March and the Committee agreed to make available funding of up to £250,000, being 50 per cent of the funding requested from the Council and Riverside Inverclyde. “

Other major funding partners are Creative Scotland and the Big Lottery Fund.

Beacon Arts Centre