Liberal Democrat and Green councillors are demanding answers over Norwich City Council's handling of the £7.8m project to revamp St Andrew's Hall and Blackfriars' Hall, known collectively as the Halls.

The scheme has been mired in controversy due to a year-long delay to its reopening, a £4.2m increase to the costs of the work and a bitter public row over who should run the 14th century venue.

Norwich Beer Festival in 2015. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Norwich Arts Centre had won a contract twice to manage the Halls, but this was later scrapped after the Theatre Royal - which had put in a rival bid - challenged the decision both times, believing the process was not conducted properly.

The Labour-run council decided to halt the entire process as it "did not meet the right standards" and is now running the venue itself.

Critics have been trying to find out how much money was wasted by this debacle, but their attempts have so far failed.

Jenny Knight, a Green councillor, said: "I'm disappointed that the information about costs isn't being shared with the people of Norwich or councillors.

"I hope the council makes this information public soon for the sake of transparency."

Liberal Democrat councillor Judith Lubbock also demanded the council find out how delays to the reopening have affected artists and promoters in the city, who have had to find alternative venues for performances.

Events like the annual Norwich Beer Festival, the Norwich Philharmonic and the Britten Sinfonia have all been affected and have had to find alternative venues.

The Halls is due to reopen this year (Image: George Thompson, LDR)

At a recent meeting, Ms Lubbock asked: "Do you have any idea of the number of organisations that have had to transfer events to other venues as a consequence of the council's mismanagement... and the costs incurred by these organisations, to say nothing of the cost to this council's reputation?"

Claire Kidman, Labour cabinet member for culture, acknowledged there had been "significant disruption" but said she did not know an exact figure and is yet to respond to Ms Lubbock following the meeting.

A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council said events promoters were given a year's notice before the revamp began.

She said: “All organisations with regular bookings at the Halls were given at least 12 months’ notice ahead of its temporary closure and were kept updated throughout the refurbishment.

"We informed them as soon as a confirmed reopening date was available, and several performances are already booked in, including the UEA Orchestra, Norwich Philharmonic and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

“Regarding the tender process, the council acted appropriately throughout and addressed the issues that emerged.

"Our focus has been on ensuring the smooth reopening of the Halls for residents, performers and audiences, and we look forward to welcoming organisations back to the venue this spring.”

Following the dispute over its management, Norwich City Council is now running the venue.

It recently announced the team behind the Bicycle Shop, a long-running restaurant in St Benedicts Street, will be operating the bar.

Ms Kidman added: "It is fantastic to be able to work in partnership with this local business as we begin an exciting new chapter in this special city venue.”

The Halls is reopening this March, with Norwich Philharmonic orchestra to be among the first performers at the medieval venue.

© Eastern Daily Press