Residents in Petersfield have expressed their concerns about the cost of the Festival Hall project.

The plans were given the green light by East Hampshire District Council in late October and the current cost estimate is around £20 million.

Former town councillor David Petche created a petition that was signed by more than 100 people, asking the Town Council to put a halt to the plans, seek alternatives to address the roof issues and bring the cost down. Alongside other signatories, he handed the petition to the Council on Tuesday, December 3.

David said: “Whilst the original problem was a leaking roof over the Rose Room kitchen area. Architects recommended adding a second floor, installing a lift, air conditioning and recladding the whole building.

“With projects like the improvements to the Durford Road junction held up for lack of cash, where planned changes could save lives, there is no justification for glamorising the Festival Hall.”

Over the years, The Post has reported on the progress of the development. In 2019, the cost was estimated around £2 to £3 million and at one point £8.3million, due to other parts of the building being included over time.

The next phase in the project known as RIBA 4 will include decisions on final design and likely use of each space and final decisions on various aspects of the proposal. All decisions will be steered by the Council and supported by the Public Halls Committee.

Steve Field, projects and office manager, said: “RIBA 4 will determine the technical design of the project and this will ultimately provide a final estimated cost.

“Twenty-million is just an estimate to do everything, so nothing is set in stone. There will be further public consultation, and we would encourage everyone that has a view to come and share this.”