Town museum repair bill could hit £200k

Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery could require £200,000 of repair work to address concerns about the condition of the historic building.

The figure represents a huge increase on the current £18,000 which has been allocated by the town council for general repairs and maintenance of the building.

A report to councillors said that "substantial investment" was required and confirmed a series of specialist surveys had been commissioned to identify the scale of the work required.

The findings will be used to inform future investment decisions and help determine the full long-term cost of maintaining the building.

The specialist surveys will include a full building condition survey, asbestos surveys, measured building surveys, and specialist mechanical and electrical assessments.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council papers showed the museum and art gallery brought in £96,911 during the year, but it cost £154,685 to run.

Because its costs were higher than its income, the council had to provide funding to help cover the shortfall, the papers stated.

They also indicate that borrowing may be required to fund future works.

Councillors were set to discuss the museum and art gallery's proposed budget and future investment requirements at a meeting that was scheduled to be held this week but has since been cancelled.

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