GRAND plans to rebuild Tetbury’s Dolphins Hall into a bustling community space may be abandoned due to a budget shortfall of almost £1million.

Plans had been approved to knock down the building on New Church Street to build a new facility with a meeting room, dismountable stage and kitchen, as well as changing rooms and a bar.

Tetbury’s youth club would also move in from their temporary accommodation on the edge of the Recreation Ground where they have been for around three years.

However, after spending around £25,000 employing architects and applying for planning, some trustees now fear the project is untenable.

The project is expected to cost 1.8million, up from the 1.5million originally forecast. With all money accounted for the project is still underfunded by £900,000.

Dolphins Hall trustees will have an official vote on October 20 to decide whether to abandon the proposals or work to raise the money.

Patricia Burrell, acting chairman of the Dolphins Hall since the departure of Barry Gibbs, told the Standard she did not want to comment on what was happening until a decision had been made.

Trustee Colin Pearce, who was not speaking on behalf of the board, said: “They have wasted around £25,000 on a lost cause.

“We are responsible people and we are not going to let a project go on in this town without knowing we can afford it.

“The most important thing is that the people of Tetbury do not have to have their precept [local tax] put up to pay for it.”

Tetbury Town Council (TTC) is custodial trustees of the hall but does not help with its day to day running.

TTC clerk Natalie Haines said on behalf of the council: “I appreciate that some trustees are currently disappointed but as a council we are really trying to work together to bring things to a successful result in our limited role as custodial trustees. Tetbury Town Council really appreciate all the hard work both the buildings committee and management trustees do as volunteers to help strengthen services and facilities for local people.”

If current plans are scrapped a scaled back version could be implemented which would involve renovating the hall instead of knocking it down.

Maggie Heaven, who took over as chair of the build committee a month ago, said: “After I took over it came to light that we had insufficient funds for the build. I fully endorse the view of the town council.”