CALLS have been made to “forensically” investigate the issues surrounding the development of Powys County Coundil’s £14 million project in Brecon, Y Gaer.

Y Gaer (Welsh for fortress) cultural hub is the redevelopment of the Grade II* listed Shire Hall and construction of a new modern library.

Today (Thursday, December 5) at 9.30am, Y Gaer’s doors will open, but it’s set to be a low key affair.

This is due to the general election and 'purdah' rules so that no political gain can be made from a ceremony.

Powys County Council (PCC) has said it will have an official opening ceremony next year, but has no details yet.

The project has been delayed for months and was supposed to have opened last year and then on March 1, this year.

Costs have also ballooned to £14.2 million, which is over £5 million more than expected.

Cllr Karen Laurie-Parry  (Independent - Bronllys) had asked under the new “questions at anytime” rules if there had been penalty clauses in the contract for the delays?

Cllr Laurie-Parry also wanted to look at all the issues to find out where the fault lies?

“To undertake a forensic analysis, could possibly result in clawing back much needed finance for the authority and at least create confidence in Powys management," said Cllr Laurie-Parry.

The questions were directed to Cllr Rachel Powell (Independent – Beguildy) who is the Portfolio Holder for Culture which includes libraries.

Cllr Powell said: “There have been delays experienced on the Y Gaer construction programme due to the supply of Alsecco stone cladding material and the subsequent fabrication and installation of the cladding to the building exterior.

“This delay was caused by a third party supplier to Kier and was influenced by the availability of material due to quarrying restrictions, the complexity of design and the supplier’s own programming, and as such could not have been foreseen by the project management board.

“There has been no cost incurred by the council due to the delay since it has occurred during the fixed contract sum period.

“Once the construction work on Y Gaer is complete, attention will turn to reviewing the project; this will include colleagues from legal and procurement in order to work through the contract.

“The review will put forward appropriate recommendations/learning for future action.”

Public meetings and protests have taken place in Brecon with people and councillors concerned about the project.

In July it emerged that PCC was in discussions with Brecon Beacons College, part of the NPTC Group of Colleges, to bring it in as a partner.

There were also fears, that the children’s library was being dismantled to make way for the college.

These proved to be unfounded.

The Welsh Government and Heritage Lottery Fund have provided almost £4 million in grant funding for the project.