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The overall cost of the scheme is £1.357m - higher than the original estimate. Extra costs have been incurred for a number of reasons including some costs and remedial work that were not included in the initial brief as well as some changes to the scheme itself and how it was delivered following feedback from the community.
The figure includes £565,000 of additional spend to deliver significant changes in the final scope of the scheme, an estimated £253,000 of inflationary costs, £218,000 of unforeseen costs which included repair work to structural damage beneath the promenade and hand digging to avoid services on Hill Road, and £101,000 of costs incurred due to scheme amendments and alterations to the timing of when the work was carried out.
Not included in these figures, an additional £187,000 was also invested in the local roads at the same time as the scheme was being delivered to reduce the need to return to the area in the near future causing further disruption to this area of the town.
Cllr Hannah Young, executive member for highways and transport, and local ward member in Clevedon said: “The scheme was significantly increased in its scope from the one the council secured funding for from the Department for Transport back in 2020, and costs also rose due to structural damage found under the promenade, splitting the work into two stages, and other unavoidable factors like global inflation.
“Acting on requests from local people and residents, work originally planned for last summer was carried out instead during autumn 2022 and early this year to minimise disruption to holiday trade.
“Unfortunately, delaying the work at a time when the rate of inflation was accelerating between autumn last year and spring this year added an estimated £253,000 increase in scheme costs.
“The work carried out on Hill Road and The Beach includes widened walkways for pedestrians, new cycleways and cycle-parking, and improved road surfacing for all users, but it is critical that when changes such as these are planned they also have full engagement of the local community and represent value for money. As part of the new partnership administration I’m committed to openness and transparency as we review the design, safety and value of the scheme.”
The additional £187,000 invested in the local roads included:
• £12,000 drainage work on Marine Parade to reduce flood risk to properties on that road
• £130,000 resurfacing of The Beach as the road was nearing the end of its life
• £12,000 additional pavement and road surfacing to tie into the existing road network.
All additional funds needed were from external grant funding sources provided by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, added: “While there are legitimate reasons for all additional expenditure on the scheme, the final costs remain significantly higher than the original budgeted costs.
“The council has already conducted an internal audit of the scheme to ensure that lessons are learned going forwards. These lessons will ensure more effective consultation, better budget management, and stronger governance of large projects.
“The independent external review being led by AECOM will also provide valuable input on the delivery of the scheme.”
The independent review is running for a six-week period from Monday 14 August until Sunday 24 September. More information about the review is available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/clevedonreview.