Controversial ‘spaceship’ bandstand cost £200k more than the original estimate
A NEW bandstand in Co Antrim compared by locals to a spaceship from Star Trek cost almost £463,000, it has emerged.
The copper-clad Harmony Hub structure in Ballymena town centre has been likened to a Klingon ‘Bird of Prey’ by its detractors.
A freedom of information request from retired solicitor Lyle Cubitt revealed the cost.
The Ballymena Guardian reported that the overall cost for the ‘Broadway Scheme’ was £462,957.61, despite an original tender/contract price of £243,924.
A firm was commissioned by the council after original contractors TAL went into administration in 2017.
A Mid and East Antrim Borough Council spokesperson said
yesterday that the council’s contribution to the scheme was £189,000, with two-thirds of the funding coming from central government.
“We were unable to provide
a full breakdown of individual costs previously as the works were ongoing and costs were subject to commercial sensitivity,” they said.
“Harmony Hub has proved extremely successful since being installed and has created a real hub of activity and a buzz for shoppers from Ballymena and further afield to enjoy.
“Recently, independent data showed that footfall figures increased by 6.9% in Ballymena town centre in the first half of 2019.
“The Harmony Hub name was selected by Hollywood actor Liam Neeson following a competition organised by the council in partnership with schools throughout the area.”
When the design of the bandstand was originally unveiled, it was met with a mixed reception from local people.
A survey of local opinion about the new bandstand hosted by the Love Ballymena community Facebook page attracted more than 1,000 comments — few of them favourable.