Collapsed pipework and damaged electric cabling discovered during a refurbishment of the visitor centre at Guisborough Forest contributed towards adding £140,000 to the final cost, it has emerged.
The project, paid with Government levelling up funding distributed by the Government in 2023, initially resulted in a £650,000 contract award with improvements including an extended café area, increased exhibition space, upgraded toilets, new solar panelling and energy efficiency modifications in the form of new air source heat pumps and LED lighting.
However Redcar and Cleveland Council later amended the contract issued to Meldrum Group, the principal contractor, bringing the total up to £790,000.
A delegated decision record for council cabinet members said that drainage infrastructure in a car park had to be replaced after several sections of collapsed pipework were found in surveys.
The building also needed a complete rewire with new cabling after damaged cables were identified.
Other elements which increased the cost included a new kitchen replacement, a new servery and worktops installed in the café, new suspended tiles along with decoration and new flooring in areas that were originally excluded from the project scope, and external decoration that was carried out to refresh the building’s exterior.
The expanded and improved café area. Picture/credit: Meldrum Group. Free for use for all LDRS partners.
The record also said that due to the extended time the contractors were on site – leading to the building being out of action – there was an additional increase in the cost of providing external toilet facilities for users of the forest walkway.
It explained that the further money required would be met partly by the Government funding allocation with a building premises budget also contributing.
A council spokeswoman confirmed all of the refurbishment works had been completed with the centre becoming fully operational earlier this year.
She said: “During the construction process, previously unknown issues were identified, including sections of collapsed pipework and damaged electrical cabling.
“While extensive surveys and investigations are undertaken before works commence, it is not always possible to fully assess the condition of underground infrastructure and concealed services prior to construction.
Recommended reading
'Milestone' as former M&S building takes shape in Redcar as new retail units emerge
£30m Transporter Bridge funding could be freed up as repair plans move forward
Plans progress for potential £6m Football Foundation sports hub in North East town
“In some cases, assets are inaccessible or cannot be safely inspected in detail until site works are underway and a contractor has opened up the affected areas.
“Once these issues were discovered, they were addressed as part of the project to ensure the facility was safe, fit for purpose and capable of providing a high-quality experience for visitors.
“We are pleased that the refurbished centre is now complete and is already being used and enjoyed by many members of the community.”