Construction, Culture, Financial Services, Real Estate

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The initial costs were estimated at EUR 35 million, but the current figure has reached EUR 36.2 million. Nevertheless, this is not the final sum, the newspaper reports, indicating that the project is facing "unexpected" supplementary challenges, as is the usual case with the majority of huge construction projects – which only serve to benefit contractors.

According to information "Diena" has become privy to, extra money will be necessary to strip down the upper area of external stairway of the main entrance, and to build new support beams for the ceiling. Furthermore, the building's bearing supports require new stonework, while the drop ceiling needs fastening.

The project's manager – Valdis Koks, says that the said improvements were proposed by the project's designers – the Lithuanian architectural bureau Processoffice. "There have been numerous new drafts recommending various changes, which were not included in the contract. The client orders us to carry out them out, whereas we submit our cost estimates," Koks explained, adding that these tasks are justifiable, as, for example, the elevator shaft requires thicker concrete beams for extra security.