The total cost of the refurbishment of a museum in town could end up being north of £12million as a final load of funding sought to complete work.
The refurbishment work at Ipswich Museum could cost a total of £12,359,043 should a further £492,625 be granted by Ipswich Borough Council at the executive meeting next week.
As it stands, the project has cost £11,866,418, made up of funding from IBC, National Lottery Heritage Fund, fundraising, volunteer time and a contribution from the Friends of Ipswich Museum.
The project was originally forecasted to be in the region of £8.7m but rising costs, inflation and unforeseen circumstances added a further £2.7m to the original estimate.
Councillor Carole Jones, portfolio holder for planning and museums said: "This has been a huge project with unexpected challenges which have taken more time, and funding, than we had hoped.
"However, this extra push to ensure we get it finished and over the line is so important.
"The museum has undergone a remarkable transformation so far, and we look forward to sharing this with Ipswich people and visitors once this hard work is completed."
The meeting next week will decide whether to throw further money at the project, with the papers stating that this funding will go towards contracts and work to complete the museum.
It is envisaged now that the project will be completed in the first quarter of next year.
The museum was originally expected to reopen in the summer of 2025, but this was pushed back to spring 2026 and then towards the end of 2026.
This means that Ipswich Museum will reopen more than four years after it closed.
What's been happening at Ipswich Museum?
Since Ipswich Museum closed in October 2022, it has been undergoing a "once-in-a-generation" overhaul to secure the Grade II* listed building’s future and transform the visitor experience.
"Behind the scenes, teams have carefully cleaned, packed and protected collections – including the museum’s largest exhibits – so contractors can get to work on the fabric of the building.
"Extensive scaffolding and a temporary roof have enabled major repairs to walls, roof trusses, windows and masonry, alongside cleaning and restoring the Victorian exterior.
"Inside, floors are being raised and old stud walls removed to improve accessibility and visitor flow, with new walkways opening up spaces never previously seen by the public.
"A new lift, staircase and link corridors are being installed, together with updated heating, lighting and other mechanical and electrical systems to modern standards.
"Former office areas are being turned into galleries, and new learning, conservation and research spaces are being created.
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