Castle cash shortfall is “critical” 6/7/14
A council audit assesses the £3.2 million shortfall to repair Stornoway’s Lews Castle as “critical.”
The review into the project management arrangements stresses “a robust savings or funding plan be put in place to close the identified gap associated with the museum and archive proposals.”
Significant repairs to the upper floors will not proceed unless the money is found
to build 26 rooms and plush self-
It includes the principal rooms upstairs -
Having a hotel in place was a main aim of the restoration and rescue of the Lews Castle and the council would have received valuable income from charging a market rent to the hospitality operator.
A council report highlights: “Securing the funding remains one of the main risks along with the risks associated with any delayed funding decisions and cost uncertainty.”
Estimated costs of the final phases of the rescue project for the castle building are £4.45 million, says the document.
It includes £3.15 million for structural repairs and enabling works to the upper floors.
Hospitality, furnishing, fixtures and equipment would be around £730,000 while the sum of £563,000 was the price for architectural design, interior design, project management and specialists hospitality elements.
Council leader Angus Campbell said the council was in talks with potential funders in an attempt to meet the shortfall.
In addition, the Comhairle will invest more of its own money into the works while
Natural Retreats -
Funding is secured for a modern new building for a Hebridean history and heritage centre adjoining the castle. Building work is underway and the premises will open in summer 2015.