Major problems have been encountered in the £20 million restoration of Brighton's historic Dome.

Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton Festival Society had hoped the Dome and museum in Church Street would have been open to the public by now.

Difficulties have delayed the opening until next year.

Council culture director Sarah Tanburn said: "The Dome has had some significant challenges throughout the project."

One of the worst was finding dry rot in the roof of the foyer where the old central library used to be.

There were also problems with contracting arrangements for cabling, mechanical and electrical work.

Another difficulty has been with water getting into the buildings during the restoration work.

Ms Tanburn said action had been taken to stop any more water getting in but time was now needed to allow some areas to dry out.

The Dome was originally stables for the Royal Pavilion, before becoming a concert hall.

Other buildings, including the museum, the Corn Exchange and the Pavilion Theatre, are part of the same complex, which the council has leased to the society for 50 years.

The restoration work has been funded by the Arts Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the South-East England Development Agency and the council.