The Bath Spa complex is millions over budget

On Friday, Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) said the spa "could be open for Easter 2006".

B&NES says it now has a clearer idea of what needs to be done, having sacked builders Mowlem in April.

The council has so far spent �17.6m on the Spa. Overall costs were expected to be �35.5m before Friday's announcement, plus �3m in interest charges.

'Meet targets'

The total original cost of the Spa was expected to be �13m.

A "condition survey" of the building has been carried out by new project managers, Capita Symonds and the majority of building works is expected to be completed by Christmas.

On Thursday, councillor Nicole O'Flaherty said, "Now we are in control of the building I am much more confident that we are on track and that targets will be met."

Meanwhile, John Betty, project director, told councillors: "Pool surround floors will have to come up, the screed taken out through the building and the underfloor heating and pipe work removed, as well as the original problems associated with the steam room floor.

"We will literally have to start again in some areas. This was always by far the largest outstanding job and the biggest obstacle to completing the building."

He added the council would "rigorously pursue the recovery of costs involved in finishing the building from those responsible."

The Millennium Commission is contributing �8m; Spa operator Thermae �5.6m, and �500,000 is coming from other sources, including public subscriptions.