Wolverhampton Civic Halls work could face further delay after more asbestos found
The major revamp of Wolverhampton’s Civic Halls could be delayed even further following the discovery of more asbestos.
A £14.4 million refurbishment of the Grade II listed venue is on-going and had been initially due for completion in March 2018.
Earlier this year it was revealed the estimated completion had been pushed back until October 2018 - and now Wolverhampton council has revealed it could be even longer.
Bosses at the authority say it is because of "additional works that need addressing" and the discovery of a "small amount of asbestos."
Nearly £500,000 was forked out to remove the potentially toxic material ahead of the work beginning last year.
A council spokesman, said: “While the contractor has been carrying out the refurbishment works on the Civic Halls they have uncovered additional works that need addressing.
“When dealing with a Grade II-listed building there was always a possibility we would face hurdles like this that could set us back beyond October 2018.
"Additional works that need addressing include electrical, mechanical and ventilation. A further small amount of asbestos has also been discovered. Asbestos specialists have confirmed there is no risk, nor has there ever been a risk to public health, and action is being taken to treat the affected areas before the halls temporarily reopen.
“We are now reassessing timescales to work out exactly when the Civic Halls will fully reopen. Any rescheduling will ensure long-standing key events like the Grand Slam of Darts will go ahead."
Bosses at the council reiterated the halls will temporarily reopen for public shows between October 21 and January 2 next year.
These include Rag’n’Bone Man, Jimmy Carr, John Bishop, The Charlatans, Marilyn Manson, Greg Davies, Thunder and Russell Brand.
The refurbishment will see the overall capacity increase in both buildings, meaning they will be able to cater for a total of almost 5,000 people. Improvements at the Civic Hall, in North Street, include a new balcony and a new glass-covered bar area.
In January family-owned Shaylor Group, based in Aldridge, was given the job of delivering the scheme.
