It's hardly visible from the outside but COVID restrictions are impacting on two major Goulburn projects.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
About one-quarter of the usual workforce are toiling away on the Performing Arts Centre in Auburn Street and the Aquatic Centre redevelopment in Deccan Street.
The council's operations director Matt O'Rourke said he was working with contractors to fully understand the effect on timelines.
READ MORE:
COVID restrictions mean only a certain number of people can work on the sites at one time.
"Both rely on trades and suppliers coming from Sydney, Canberra and Victoria, particularly the Performing Arts Centre," Mr O'Rourke said.
The latter required significant plastering but currently, only two plasterers could occupy the space instead of the usual six. Scaffolding removal and carpentry were also affected.
In addition, technical aspects are heavily reliant on Sydney companies.
Mr O'Rourke said contractors on both redevelopments had tried to make alternative arrangements but quickly changing rules and restrictions had sometimes thwarted this.
He told the most recent council meeting that the limitations were not yet problematic but they could be in the short-term. The PAC is due to be completed in December, and the aquatic centre in early 2021.
Zauner Constructions is constructing the $18.95 million PAC, which is an adaptive re-use of the former town hall and McDermott Centre.
Despite the challenges, internal wall framing in the auditorium has continued, a report stated. Gyprock lining was delayed because tradespeople could not reach the site.
Theatre rigging equipment has also been installed and glazing work on the back of house and the auditorium finished.
Council general manager Warwick Bennett told The Post that scaffolding had been removed and attention would soon turn to the front-of-house. This includes repairs to facilitate the PAC's box office.
A new and dedicated power supply for the building has been installed.
The building is at lock-up stage.
So far, almost $14.9m of the budget has been spent.
The council recently advertised for a venue coordinator, to oversee daily operations. The role complements that of recently appointed performing arts centre manager, Raina Savage.
Meantime, the $29.87m aquatic centre project is continuing apace.
Mr Bennett said technical aspects were more advanced on this project and there was less risk of delay.
In July, the pool hall roof was installed and external wall framing commenced. Render work also prepared for the way for pool tiling in August and a male toilet block was demolished.
All concourse concreting was expected to be finished this month. Work is well underway on the northern car park in time for the outdoor pool's opening in September.
Mr O'Rourke said the company building the pools had relocated to Goulburn to avoid COVID delays.
A total $17.93m has been spent from the budget to date.
Cr Margaret O'Neill said she couldn't believe the progress.
"I can't give enough praise to the contractors (FDC Contracting) because I believe it's really moving forward," she said.
Mr O'Rourke replied that the firm had been "positive and proactive" and the work quality was good.
"The work has slowed a bit but nonetheless they will still push to get out of there by early in the New Year."
The project includes a new eight-lane indoor pool, a leisure pool, hydrotherapy facility, change rooms, cafe, 350 square metre gym, new entrance and expanded car park, and repair of expansion joints in the existing 50-metre outdoor pool.
Revised timelines and any cost impacts on both projects will be reported to councillors.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news and regular newsletters