Campaigners seeking to restore a fire-ravaged Suffolk village pub need to secure extra lottery funding for the project after building costs came in higher than expected.
An announcement on The George Community Pub website said extra money was being sought from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the work to the Wickham Market pub after inflation pushed up construction costs.
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The community group had already secured £988,200 of lottery funding and a 'cost plan' for the £1.5m project had been prepared by a professional team but prices had since increased, creating a funding gap that needed to be filled.
A further £50,000 had been secured through the Co-Op's Community Shares Booster Fund, which was triggered after the community group hit its £225,000 target through a share issue in which 441 shares were bought.
The George pub in Wickham Market following the fire (Image: Archant)
In the statement on the website, the group said a major cost reassessment had been undertaken which had led to 'significant cost savings'.
"However, despite our efforts with both fundraising and cost savings, there still remains a funding gap. This has been discussed with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and we were invited to apply to them for a grant increase to close this gap.
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"We have submitted a detailed application but understand that because of higher building costs everywhere there are many projects that are now having to do this and that our application will be considered alongside all others," the statement added.
The main building contract for the work had been due to be signed this month, but now there will be a wait until at least June when the heritage fund's assessment panel will meet to consider the application.
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Following a devastating fire in 2013, the historic George Public House in has remained closed ever since, with the community desperate to have it restored and returned as a much loved community pub and asset.
The aim of the restoration is to provide a new multi-functional space for the community, which will serve as both, a vibrant and sustainable community pub, and as an activity space angled towards wellbeing and inclusivity.
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