CONCERNS have been raised about how long a project to renovate Midsomer Norton Town Hall has taken.

Members of Midsomer Norton Town Council discussed the status of the Town Hall refurbishment project at the last full council meeting on Monday, September 1.

The end date for the project has now been extended to Friday, October 31, however this is not the first time that the project has been delayed. It was initially expected to have been completed by Monday, September 30, 2024, but would initially be delayed to Friday, January 10.

Members of the town council expressed disappointment at the continual sliding of the project end date which they felt was becoming “wholly unacceptable”. They did however make an acknowledgement of contractual obligations being made to complete the project alongside Greenwood Projects Ltd, the project management team.

The council also expressed that, without confidence in the project end date, they are unable to make meaningful preparations to open the Town Hall.

There have reportedly been multiple factors which have caused the delays to the project’s completion, such as the ability of subcontractors to reschedule works and issues with the supply chain.

As of Monday, September 1, the cost of the project was £1,493,270.65, while the initial contracted cost had been £1,095,797. Following a Midsomer Norton Town Council report dated to Thursday, August 29, 2024, the final cost for the project’s construction was £1.562-million.

During the meeting, members would resolve to move further discussion into confidential session as they wished to discuss and be appraised of contractual matters relating to the project.

The council also noted that a revised update had been sent by the Greenwood Projects Ltd, since the issuing of the agenda prior to the meeting taking place.

Midsomer Norton was first built in 1860, and has been classified as a Grade II listed building since 1979.

Councillor Martyn Plant, mayor of Midsomer Norton and chair of Midsomer Norton Town Council, said: “The town council reviewed the ongoing redevelopment project of the Town Hall at its most recent council meeting and expressed its frustration with the ongoing delays in the project.

“We are keen to have the building back as soon as practicably possible and for it to become a working building once more for the benefit of the residents of the town. Councillors sought reassurance that all necessary actions were being taken to reach a speedy and satisfactory conclusion to the works.

“The delays have been caused by a variety of reasons including supply chain issues and the ability of subcontractors to reschedule works. All reasonable efforts are being made by the project management team and the town council to complete the project in line with contractual obligations.

“In addition, the clerk meets frequently with contractors and other parties to help ensure work is progressing as quickly as it can, expressing our frustrations and concerns.

“I do hope our future correspondence on this matter will have more positive news.”

Greenwood Projects have been approached for comment.