Internal auditors to review art gallery project

An internal review is to be conducted following the rebranding of a museum and art gallery in Cheltenham.

The Wilson was revamped in 2013 for a cost of £6.8 million – £1.2 more than originally budgeted for, according to the local Conservative party.

Andrew North, Cheltenham Borough Council chief, explained the refurbishment project had resulted in additional costs and taken 12 months longer than initially projected.

It is hoped an internal audit of the scheme will help to identify the reasons behind the delays and overspend.

Mr North said: “We do need to be concerned that the arrangements for control and reporting of the budget and project timescales proved inadequate and it’s very important that these issues are being addressed and lessons are being learned.”

”This overspend is a huge disappointment but despite this the project should nevertheless be seen as a success; The Wilson has achieved a number of high profile successes including several design awards since its opening, with popular exhibitions and a record number of visitors.”

During the project, one of the structural engineering contractors connected with the work went into liquidation and various mistakes were made with concrete pouring – meaning work had to be redone.

A report into The Wilson project had been expected at the end of last year, but was delayed following information that revealed accounting errors.

In one assistance, an additional £89,000 had not been put through via the borough’s official purchase order management system and therefore had not been correctly linked to the project.