When the Dome in Brighton reopens next year, it will be the centre of the best cultural quarter in the South-East outside London.

But restoring the former royal stables has been a far more difficult, lengthy and costly exercise than anyone imagined.

All sorts of problems were encountered, including extensive dry rot when the building was opened up for the first time in more than 60 years.

Now Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to lend another £500,000 to the Brighton Festival, which runs the concert hall.

There has been alarm from opposition members who felt the council could ill afford to make the loan at a time of financial crisis.

But it's a loan, not a grant, and it will help lever in another £2 million from other sources, making it a good investment.

Some councillors are also worried the council all too often has a financial pistol pointed at its head by arts organisations which run over budget.

That may be valid in some cases but not in this instance, where any improvements are an investment in the city.

The Dome was in danger of decline before the work started. Some artistes were refusing to visit the hall because of its poor condition and audience figures were also flagging.

Restoration includes not only the Dome but also the Corn Exchange and Pavilion Theatre, which are back in business. It's money well spent.