Jersey Opera House revamp costs increase to £12.7m

The works are on target to finish by 2024, the States says

The cost of the full refurbishment of Jersey Opera House has increased by £1m to £12.7m, the government has said.

It said Ashbe Construction, in Jersey, has been approved as the "preferred contractor" to complete the "major works".

The contractor has already removed internal fixtures and fittings ahead of the refurbishment, it said.

The increase includes the "decarbonisation" of heating and hot water systems.

The funding has been secured by the minister for sustainable economic development from "existing 2023 budgets".

There was a planned completion date of 21 December 2024, when the Grade II listed building would be "handed back".

The government said the works would enable the theatre to meet minimum health and safety requirements, disability discrimination criteria and put in place decarbonisation measures.

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].