CALLS have been made for an independent review of why the flagship Powys County Council project, Y Gaer in Brecon, opened late and was £5million over budget.

In December 2019, Brecon’s new cultural hub and library, Y Gaer

finally opened after years of delay.

It is the redevelopment of the Grade II* listed Shire Hall and construction of a new modern library adjacent to the Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery.

The escalating costs of the project rose from £9 million to £14 million and caused delays to its opening.

Cll Karen Laurie-Parry (Independent – Bronllys) believes that a independent investigation is needed

Cllr Laurie-Parry, said: “It is a brilliant facility but it’s only open for part of the week.

“No-one appears to be concerned about what’s happened.

“I want a full investigation, I have been told that the council only want to do a select audit to learn lessons.

“How can they choose what to audit and what not to?

“It needs to be on the financial management and development of Y Gaer and by someone from the outside such as the Welsh Audit Office.

“Having one done internally will be seen a cover up.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund has said it could review the £2,870,000 awarded to the project due to potential changes to the scheme.

A spokesman for HLF said: “The aspiration was to revitalise, repair and restore the Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery as a key heritage resource for Mid-Wales.

“As with all our grant awards we request regular updates from projects, noting any changes to the scheme and how this will impact the project.

“We are aware that changes have been proposed and we will consider how any revised plans are likely to affect the original project proposal.”

Last year it was announced talks had opened with the NPTC College about using parts of y Gaer for education, leading to fears its use as a gallery could be downgraded. The council then appealed for new potential partners to make offers over sharing its use, it said, with the intention of keeping the centre open for more hours during the week. It is currently closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

A Powys council spokesman said: “We are consulting on establishing the future operating model of Y Gaer

“As such, communication with funders including the Heritage Lottery Fund and Welsh Government are continuing.

“The project will be subject to internal audit review during the first quarter (April-June) of the coming financial year.”

The spokesman added that the council is assessing expressions of interest from “potential partners” at Y Gaer

Last summer there were public meetings and protests in Brecon with people and councillors concerned about the project.

Cuts of £34,000 have already been made to Y Gaer’s operating budget in 2020/21.