Historic building cash boost as repair costs rise

Funds would go towards work on the brickwork, window arches and mortar joints

Urgent work to stop a Grade 1 listed building in Surrey decaying has received a grant of over £230,000 from the National Lottery.

But the expected cost of the project has increased by 20% and a final decision on whether to proceed with the work will be made in September.

Repair costs to the Museum of Farnham in Willmer House have jumped from an estimated £1m to £1.2m since Waverley Borough Council said it would plug any financial gaps in the project last year.

The original budget was based on estimates, while the increased figure reflects the bids for the work coming in, the council said.

In July 2023, the council stepped in to cover a £275,000 funding gap in the project after receiving nearly £735,000 from the Arts Council.

Councillor Peter Martin, overview and scrutiny committee chairman, said he expected the council to cover the difference in the same way it pledged to last year, but would push as to why the budget leapt by 20%.

He said: “We all regard the Farnham Museum as a terrific asset belonging to the community and would wish to ensure that that continues.”

The £230,310 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund would go towards repairs to the decaying brickwork, collapsing second floor window arches, and eroded mortar joints to go ahead, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A council spokesperson said: “Costs for the works on Willmer House were pre-tender estimates at the time of the funding application.

"These costs have increased now the works have been tendered.

"The tender outcome will go to full council on 16 September at which point the council’s recommendation regarding funding will be delivered.”