Keeping an eye on the city's progress

A scaffolding contractor works high above the Octagon in Dunedin yesterday, as part of an effort to erect a temporary roof over the Dunedin Civic Centre.

The Robert Burns statue has been a constant onlooker since Naylor Love crews began work on the centre in January.

The upgrade - including roof replacement - had been expected to cost about $3 million, but this increased to $4.4 million.

The change was due to additional repairs being required to preserve the building’s exterior and replacement of windows, a Dunedin City Council spokesman said.

The project is due to be completed by June next year.