The grand reopening of an historic cinema undergoing a £2.2 million restoration has been delayed after workmen discovered costly problems with its landmark exterior.

The Dome, on Worthing seafront, is now expected to open on August 12, more than six weeks later than expected.

The delay has been caused by problems with the dome structure after which the venue is named.

The cost of rectifying the problems is almost £130,000, which has used up most of the project's reserve fund.

The dome was last overhauled in 1996 by Worthing Borough Council which spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on emergency repairs to the structure.

Belle Stennett, managing director of Worthing Dome Ltd, said: "The front of the building is undergoing massive works due to years of exposure to an unrelenting and harsh maritime environment.

"The design team always knew the front could turn out to be a nightmarish cost so provision was made within the budget.

"The real can of worms that has been opened up is the dreadful state of the Dome tower itself. When the design team inspected the tower at close quarters it was appalled.

"All the render on the outside has to be hacked off, all the slates on the roof have to be replaced and new wooden windows installed.

"The roof supports on the clay-tiled pitched roof over the front function room also need repairs. The only part of the Dome exterior that doesn't require replacing is the cupola and the flagpole.

"Incorrect render has been applied to the outside, which has resulted in cracking and water ingress. This has to be removed and replaced with a breathable lime render."