Costs to transform a dilapidated Grade II-listed 18th century mansion in Wem could rise from £200,000 to at least £2 million.
The trustees of Park House, Park Road, initially thought that £200,000 would be enough to make repairs to the building ahead of a conversion project to include a heritage centre and an educational point of interest to promote tourism and education.
But they have since been contacted by the Listed Owners Property Club who have told them costs could rise into millions.
The house has been converted into six apartments and residents are in urgent need of work to be done on the building which they are unable to sell because it is not insured, as reported by the Chronicle in December.
They are in the process of registering the campaign to refurbish the hall as a charity and the the Listed Owners Property Club have said that they can insure it themselves.
Trustees have also applied for a £500,000 lottery fund to go towards refurbishment costs and have written to North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, North Shropshire District Council, Shropshire Tourism and Wem Town Council asking for help.
They are in discussions with NSDC for them to compulsory purchase the hall then sell it back to them.
James Hawkins, one of the trustees, said: “There are plans to restore the building and redevelop the area as part of an environment and protection rejuvenation project for Wem with the possible relocation of Wem Motors.
“NSDC wish to buy the site of Wem Motors off my father, Barry Hawkins, and demolish it to create a public garden and completely renovate Park House. We also hope to create a tourist attraction which Wem desperately needs.”
North Shropshire District Council was unavailable for comment as the Chronicle went to press.