THE refurbishment of a Darlington leisure centre will now cost about £500,000 more than the original estimate.

On Tuesday, the town council's cabinet members will be asked to approve the works to the Dolphin Centre after being told the original estimate of £3.55m has now spiralled to more than £5m.

The council agreed to release the resources for the work in March and it is now proposed that it should borrow the extra cash.

A report to the cabinet says the increased cost is due to a number of factors, including a longer timescale and extra work to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Councillor Lee Vasey, cabinet member for leisure services, said when a capital programme bid was submitted, feasibility work was in its early stages and as the plans were finalised, more details and up-to-date costs were to be expected.

She said: "However, this does not affect the affordability of the scheme."

The project will include a new caf and bar, improvements to the reception and customer service area and a soft play and sensory area.

There are also plans to incorporate a register office and marriage hall into the scheme.