The Royal Hall was closed last year

A report into the restoration of Harrogate's Royal Hall has revealed that costs could escalate to �14.5 million.

Prince Charles agreed to become patron of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust in March.

The trust's aim is to see the crumbling Grade II listed building - the last of its kind on the English mainland - returned to its former splendour.

The 100-year-old theatre was closed to the public last autumn when part of the ceiling in the south corridor collapsed.

This followed the previous closure of the theatre's upper circle after structural problems were discovered.

Lottery bid

Initial estimates for the restoration work were in the region of �11m.

However, after extensive investigations and the apparent need for an enlarged stage house and improved heating and lighting, the figure has jumped by �3.5m.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is contributing �2.5m to the cost and the Restoration Trust hopes to raise �1m.

Harrogate Borough Council has also pledged �2.6m.

The National Heritage Lottery Fund is already stumping up �6m.

But it looks likely that fundraisers will have to go cap in hand to the fund again to redress the shortfall.

'Take the waters'

Stuart Quin, deputy director of Harrogate International Centre, which is overseeing the project, said work on the Royal Hall said the council and other fundraising organisations had to match the lottery funding.

"Restoration can only happen if enough money is raised, but the estimate now of �14.5m is a realistic figure," he said.

The report is due to go before Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet meeting next week, and if approved, a bid for lottery funding will be made in August.

The council will not hear until January next year if the bid has been successful.

If approved, the former Edwardian kursaal, popular as a place to "take the waters" will become a multi-purpose entertainment and community centre.