Cost of converting unused hall into centre for disabled trebles

At a meeting of Barnsley Council’s cabinet committee next week, members will approve the release of additional funding in order to pay for the restoration project at Kingdom Hall in Littlefield Lane, Wombwell.

Last year members approved plans to buy the hall and refurbish it, with the costs of the revamp estimated at £50,000.

However, since the building was bought “additional works” have been identified and flood damage has also created “unforeseen” problems – meaning the bill for repairs now stands at £153,000, more than treble the original estimate.

Money from the sale of St Helens Day Centre, in Monk Bretton ,will be used to make up the deficit and pay for the revamp of Kingdom Hall which, when finished, will replace current facilities for people with learning disabilities at the Bondfield Resource Centre.

The unexpected hike in costs comes at a time when the authority is struggling with massive Government-imposed budget cuts of £46m over the next four years.

In 2011 alone, Barnsley Council – which has turned to closing struggling leisure centres in a bid to balance its budget – is seeking to save £12m.

In the cabinet report set to go before next week’s meeting, members are told that further unforeseen works, such as creating a ramp to comply with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) legislation are needed.

The report says: “In order to address the access issues and to ensure compliance with DDA and fire regulations, additional work is required and therefore additional cost.

“The refurbishment of the new unit will provide the required facilities, personal care space, hoisting equipment etc for a fully-integrated provision catering for service users with profound learning and physical disabilities, alongside less profoundly disabled people, a service which previously had to be provided in a separate segregated building.”

The report goes on to say the Kingdom Hall has no natural light and an “internal sun room” should be created.

“The alterations will increase and enhance the appearance of the property, including facilities for service users, and resale value.

“Additionally, the completion of the required work to these new premises will provide much- improved, more central and localised facilities for service users and completely vacate the currently used site – Bondfield Resource Centre – which is in a residential area, and free up this site for disposal.

“Time is also limited to complete the refurbishment, as the state of repair at Bondfield Resource Centre suggests that major work would need to be carried out prior to the onset of winter weather conditions as major problems with the weather resistance of the roof structure have already be identified.”

The report also admits that the “detailed costings” first presented to Barnsley Council were a huge £180,000 – £130,000 more than originally estimated.

“However, following negotiation and subsequent reductions, where possible, in the level of refurbishment requested, this has been successfully reduced to £153,220,” it added.

“Therefore an additional £103,220 is required to complete the work required to comply with DDA requirements, health and safety regulations and make the building fit for purpose.”

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said yesterday: “Costs increased because of damage that occurred in the bad weather, improvements to access and internal improvements to create more internal light.

“Some of these were identified as a result of consultation with families, service users and local elected members.”

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