THE refurbishment of one of Inverclyde's most historic buildings to turn it into a community hub will likely require 'additional funding' as works continue into the summer of next year, according to council bosses. 

A major project to transform the King George VI building in Port Glasgow town centre was given the green light by Inverclyde Council last year. 

The local authority is said to have channelled around £1 million into making the building wind and watertight, before attracting £1.2m through the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

Official council papers now reveal that the contract for work on the B-listed building on King Street, which dates back to the 1700s, has been extended to May 2024. 

READ MORE: Historic Port Glasgow building plan is approved

Planners have advised the council's communities committee that it is 'anticipated that additional funding will be required due to the prolongation of the contract programme'. 

The papers state: 'As previously reported, the project has experienced delays due to poor ground conditions and below ground drainage complexities.

'The nature of the building and working space restrictions continue to present challenges for the contractor, particularly with the focus on achieving a high degree of airtightness and associated complex detailing with the energy saving elements of the construction.'

The council has said that the objective of the project is to 'sympathetically restore an important heritage building for community use'. 

Council chiefs say the works will include the 'introduction of a series of low carbon energy-saving design solutions which will help shape and inform future design direction and contribute to the council’s net-zero objectives'. 

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Some of the works outlined in the original plans included solar panels, new windows, a new rear access stair extension, and significant alterations to the interior. 

External insulation to the new stairwell extension is now complete, with a final render coat still to be applied. 

Internal framing and airtightness membrane installation is ongoing, and the reconnection of the mains water supply is planned for this month. 

The council report says: 'A more detailed position will be brought to a future committee when the works have been progressed to a more advanced stage of the extended contact period.'

The project is due to be discussed at the council's education and communities meeting on November 7.