Arts centre opening delayed

From p1 Cr Gauci said as a result of ongoing site inspections and contract management meetings between the shire’s project manager and the contracted builder it was identified that several of the main steel members required a fire rating over and above the function of the fire sprinklers.

This has resulted in the application of vermiculite fire proofing of the main steel beams throughout the auditorium area of the centre.

Cr Gauci said fire protection works were included in the original scope of works but it was not unusual for such matters to be identified during the construction phase of a project of this complexity.

“To this end, the consultancy team has advised that these fire protection works on the newly installed steel structural beams will take longer than first anticipated resulting in an unavoidable delay.

“Bringing old buildings up to modern structural and compliance codes is always a monumental task.

“Often unforeseen challenges are uncovered the more the project progresses.

“We’re disappointed that our time frames have been pushed back, but we can assure the community that council officers and contractors are working hard to keep the ball rolling,” he said.

Cr Gauci said they were not lengthy delays and while they anticipated the arts centre would still re-open in August, the timing would affect the eisteddfod and Warragul Regional College.

“Our focus now is to work closely with the two groups whose bookings will be impacted by the delay.

“The arts centre team have met with both groups and are assisting with alternate arrangements”, Cr Gauci said.

“The number one priority in a project of this scale is delivering a building that complies with all safety and building codes and regulations to ensure it remains a valuable community asset for generations to come,” Cr Gauci said.