THE final cost of Murray Art Museum Albury has blown out by $700,000.
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Unforeseen factors such as archaeological finds, additional hazardous materials and increased electrical supply requirement pushed the project out from the budgeted $10.5 million to $11.2 million.
The final cost was revealed at Albury Council's finance and administration committee meeting on Monday.
But the blowout has been defended by mayor Henk van de Ven, who officially opened MAMA on October 2.
A 5 per cent contingency was allowed for by council staff at the commencement of the project with the first hint of an over-run being confirmed in March when an additional $324,000 had been spent.
"Five per cent is a low number by industry standards, but it has obviously turned out to be higher than that,” he said.
"But with what was uncovered in the process it is not surprising it has blown out by what it has.
"There are no regrets whatsoever if you look at what has happened since it has opened."
Cr van de Ven confirmed MAMA had attracted 13,000 visitors, hosted 10 corporate functions and had 700 school children participate in programs since its early October opening.
The blowout has been softened by an additional $300,000 from the federal government with over-runs also funded by developer contributions collected by council on community facilities.
Philanthropic funding of $1.3 million also exceeded the original target of $1.05 million.
Cr Darren Cameron opposed building MAMA when the NSW government matching funding amount of $3.5 million didn't eventuate.
"I wasn't in favour of the project going ahead at this time," he said.
"It would've been better to forego the funding until such time Greg Aplin delivered matching funding.
"I sincerely hope the people of Albury will remember who supported and who didn't support the project when when elections are held in September next year."
Zauner Construction built MAMA.
An explanation of the cost over-runs were outlined in latest budget update.
"The age of the existing town hall building and former Burrows House has presented a number of challenges, resulting in unscheduled works being required," the report stated.
"Major variations have been archaeological finds, underpinning works, strengthening of floors, walls, roofs, discovery of additional hazardous material and increased electrical supply needs."
