The budget for the St. George's Police Station doubled from $500,000 to $1 million dollars said Minister of Works and Engineering Derrick Burgess.

Last week, Shadow Public Safety Minister, Michael Dunkley, criticised the Government for being "a little mischievous" following claims the St. George's Police Station was completed under budget.

"I do recall clearly the budget was supposed to be around $500,000. I was surprised to hear great applause to the fact that it was under budget. Obviously they forgot what the budget was or they got a little mischievous with their numbers," he said.

And in March, Minister of Public Safety, David Burch said the project would cost $250,000.

"In relation to St. George's and the lack of funding, it's there. It's not a big project. A quarter of a million dollars will come out of the Ministry of Works minor works budget."

Mr. Burgess issued a statement to clear up the matter.

"In the House of Assembly last Friday and again at the handover of the St. George's Police Station on Monday, I stated that the renovations cost approximately $650,000, which is roughly $350,000 less than the anticipated amount of the project.

"The Opposition spokesman in the Senate has pointed out that during April this year, I said that the renovations would cost a maximum of $500,000. He is correct.

"I offer the following clarification. During the summer, the scope of work and attendant specifications were expanded following discussions with the Bermuda Police Service, resulting in a new budget estimate of approximately $1,000,000. The focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness led to further revision of the specifications, with the result that a budget estimate of $650,000 was finally agreed."

The Police station will be up and running in the new year according to Public Safety Minister David Burch, who on Monday accepted keys to the premises on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service.

Upgrades include new floors and wall tiling, rewiring, a new generator, new air conditioning, exterior masonry repair and painting, roofing repair and paint, millwork, new windows, acoustical ceilings, dry walling and provision of interview rooms.

The work, done by Bermuda Drywall & Ceilings Ltd., began in the beginning of September and took 12 to 13 weeks to complete.

The station will reopen early next year.