A Leaking Roof at the Guildhall Needs £1.7m Budget Spend by Kingston Council
Kingston Council is allocating £1.7 million to repair the leaking roof of the Guildhall, its central administrative building. The Guildhall, a notable Grade II listed edifice in Kingston, which opened its doors in 1935, is experiencing leakage issues around its iconic clocktower.
On September 28 2023, the council's corporate and resources committee sanctioned a £1.7 million budget dedicated to the essential roof repairs of the Guildhall. This investment will support the hiring of expert consultants and contractors to conduct comprehensive surveys, design, construction, and finalise the roofing and repair work necessary for the building's upkeep.
A detailed assessment by design consultants recommended the replacement of the roof covering to address the leaks adjacent to the clocktower and to carry out external repairs and refurbishments aimed at preserving the building and prolonging its utility.
The assessment highlighted the need to replace lead parapet gutters and to ensure all related rainwater outlets and goods are thoroughly inspected, tested, and maintained in optimal working condition, as issues with rainwater infiltration through the internal structure of the building have been identified.
Additionally, the report shed light on the broader financial landscape of the council, indicating a projected overspend of £3.4 million on its general revenue budget for the fiscal year 2023/24, as of July, within a total budget framework of £161.3 million. Significant demand in adult and children's social care services, temporary accommodation needs, and the impact of prevailing economic conditions such as high inflation and energy costs are the primary drivers behind this financial strain.
During the committee meeting, Lib Dem council leader Andreas Kirsch expressed optimism about significantly reducing the overspend by the financial year's end, noting that Kingston Council's financial challenges mirror those faced by local authorities nationwide. He also highlighted that, of the council's anticipated £8.5 million in savings, £6.5 million is on track for full realisation, with only £0.8 million expected to fall short of targets.
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