THE major refurbishment of Worcester’s Swan Theatre cost £32,000 more than expected, it has been revealed.

The additional costs were a result of unforeseen circumstances – including the removal of asbestos from behind door frames, the need for more structural steelwork, installing new lighting and replacing equipment.

However, the cost to Worcester City Council was brought down to £22,789 after a £10,000 grant for the refurbishment of the toilets was obtained.

While councillors and officers said it was disappointing to overspend at all, they were delighted with how the £578,143 project had panned out and claimed the work ensured Worcester would have a theatre for at least another 25 years. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, deputy leader Councillor Roger Knight said: “I am proud of what has been delivered as a result of these works.”

Your Worcester News previously reported that the revamp of the Swan included improvements to the building’s structure, roof, toilets, bar areas and exterior, including an extension of the balcony.

A state-of-the-art air conditioning system and new seating was also installed.

Council leader Councillor Simon Geraghty said: “Once you start something where you know there’s asbestos, there’s always the risk you are going to find some complications.

“It is only a small variation of the total costs.”

Alan Stuttard, acting head of paid service, said: “It’s always upsetting when you overspend but given the unknowns in there, particularly asbestos, this is good.”

The cabinet meeting was told it would have cost millions to demolish and build a new theatre.

Coun Knight also said a new theatre could not be developed on the current site in the Moors because it is in a floodplain.

However, ambitious plans to raise £2.5 million for a new studio theatre next to the Swan were launched in November.

Speaking after the meeting Chris Jaeger, chief executive of Worcester Live, which runs the theatre as well as Huntingdon Hall in Deansway, said the refurbishment works had made a world of difference to the Swan Theatre.

“People are coming in and they absolutely love it,” he said. “The seats are comfortable, the place looks good and it’s just like a new theatre.”

Mr Jaeger said while it was too early to tell whether the refurbishment had improved takings in the short term, he was confident it would in the future.