Redevelopment works delayed
Timing of wet weather and other unforeseen incidents are expected to delay the re-opening of the West Gippsland Arts Centre.
While wet weather contingencies were built into the anticipated length of redevelopment works, acting planning and economic development director Rob Robson said the timing of recent rain delayed some major components of the project.
The expected July 2018 reopening of the arts centre may be delayed by a few weeks.
Council has blamed weather and a number of break-ins at the construction site.
Mr Robson said they had been working towards a broad mid-2018 completion date, which ranged from optimistic to realistic. He said they were now facing a realistic date.
“We will confirm an opening date when the critical building works are completed.
Mr Robson said a weather contingency was built into the possible completion time and the redevelopment was still within that timeframe.
“However, the actual timing of the rain has more so contributed to delays, rather than the number of wet weather days.
“This has affected concrete pours especially, where framing and formwork have been ready to go right on time.
“The rain has also meant that extra work has been needed to keep the site clean and workable, eliminating problems such as excessive mud,” he said.
Mr Robson said the contractor had been proactive in addressing alternative works wherever possible and were in advance in some areas.
As well as wet weather, he said there were some unforeseen impacts on the building program existing stormwater pipes conflicting with the proposed lift core works, the need for extra footings for the administration and loading dock and existing building footings in conflict with new foundations in some areas.
He said there also was some previously unidentified asbestos that required safe removal.
Mr Robson said burglaries at the construction site also had disrupted works. “The site had all the normal security including fencing and regular visits by security patrols.
“However, as with a number of other sites around town) these proved not to be enough so Building Engineering have escalated to higher level CCV coverage,” he said.
Mayor Joe Gauci said although the delays were quite minor, there was some risk the reopening date may be delayed by a few weeks.
“Works are continuing to progress well given the recent setbacks, however prolonged rainfall and unfavourable conditions have pushed back some key construction works.
“We have also unfortunately faced a string of site break-ins and vandalism which has further impacted of the site’s progress.
“At this stage the original projected completion date in mid-2018 could possibly be pushed out by a few weeks,” he said.
Cr Gauci said council and the contractor Building Engineering were continuing to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of these delays and keep the works tracking along.
“We are continually working to keep the community and key project stakeholders up to date with progress, including those whose bookings may be impacted by the delays.”
Mr Robson said the next stage of works to be undertaken included new steel work framing installed, the main auditorium ceiling reinstalled and works on the balcony.