THE cost of a proposed cliff top museum has increased by £15million... before a brick has been laid.

The Cliffs Museum - officially named the Thames Estuary Experience - is designed to be a feature attraction.

For almost a decade plans have been discussed for the £40million attraction, however the estimated cost has now risen to an estimated £55million as discussions continue.

A freedom of information request submitted to the council by a resident, saw Southend Council reply outlining costs as “£50m for the museum/experience (excluding car park and abnormals) with a sum of £5m for the exhibition and content and fit out”.

The council has insisted it is not funding the project alone and will apply for grants.

The plan for the museum, set to stand on the cliffs, is still not completed despite claims from the council the plans were just weeks away in April.

Councillor James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “The delivery of the Thames Estuary Experience, a visitor attraction benefitting of our two finds of international significance, is a long-term aspiration for Southend, and we are in the early stages of this project.

"It is important to be clear that the council has consistently said that we cannot fund this project alone.

"This attraction would draw visitors, boosting the local economy and promoting the rich history of Southend.

"We are working with architects, Hawkins Brown on the design aspect, and have now finished the concept design stage.

"The council is not fully funding the museum and is considering grants and fundraising opportunities.”

The museum is expected to contain artefacts connected to the tomb of the Saxon King and part of the shipwreck of The London.