Darwin art costs spiral

The final budget of a controversial Shrewsbury sculpture to celebrate Charles Darwin is expected to be £450,000, a leisure boss says.

It was thought the project to create Quantum Leap and the Darwin Memorial Garden in Mardol Quay would cost £350,000.

But today George Candler, assistant director culture and leisure at Shropshire Council, said the authority was working to a revised budget - including contingency - of £100,000 more than the original cost.

Figures in a report to the council's cabinet show the total approved scheme budget for the project within the capital programme will give scope to spend up to £483,090, including a budget increase of £100,000 which the authority is being asked to approve at a meeting.

Mr Candler said although this amount was set aside he expected the final cost to come in at £450,000. He said: "We have spent £308,000 but we are working to a revised budget of up to £450,000 including contingency.

"The additional £100,000 was set aside to pay for aspects of the construction works that took place in May this year. The change in the setting out of the supporting structure was required when the contractors found themselves unable to get the frame on site because of the tree root protection area.

"The sum also covers contingency costs."

Mr Candler said the £308,000 already spent included groundworks and construction of the arch. Councillors today said the amount involved was "horrendous".

The project has been hit by technical problems. Work to correct the sculpture had to be started last month as it was reportedly as much as 18 inches out of alignment at the top of the structure.

Councillor Jon Tandy said: "I believe this should have never taken place. It's not what Darwin would have liked. The amount of money being spent whilst we're in a recession is an absolute disgrace. I think there needs to be a full investigation."

Councillor Miles Kenny said: "I am horrified to see the cabinet being asked to give another £100,000."

• An earlier story in the Shropshire Star, based on the report to councillors, stated the extra £100,000 would take the final budget to almost £600,000. Shropshire Council has now clarified the report and says the final budget will be £483,090, if approved.