Mount Gambier’s Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre project has hit significant delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

The multi-million-dollar project was due to open in Autumn 2022, however Mount Gambier City Council is now unable to pinpoint a completion date.

Project sponsor Barbara Cernovskis said the pandemic had impacted the program of works and hindered the procurement of goods.

“The schedule is being amended and tasks prioritised to address any delays and challenges as they arise,” she said.

“As we have mentioned previously, it is challenging building in a COVID-19 environment.

“COVID is affecting about 20% of the workforce on a daily basis.

“It’s predominantly close contact isolation that is having the biggest impact and then actual COVID positive isolation cases.”

Ms Cernovskis said in coming months work would continue on external cladding, internal wall and floor finishes and the surrounding car park areas.

“At this point in time we are not able to indicate when the centre will open,” she said.

“We hope to have a better understanding of a firm date in the coming months and we’ll let the community know as soon as we can.”

Head contractor BADGE Constructions is managing 100 to 110 people from various trades and services working on site each day to progress the major build.

Ms Cernovskis said many local businesses were on site including VIVID Glass, Gambier Earthmovers, Studform, Bill Legget Fencing, Cameron Lock Surveyors, Adams Scaffolding, DMK Engineering, Correct Safety, Metalworx, Wilson Security, Heemskerk Security, Conroy landscaping, Williams Cranes, Baxter Hire, I&D Traffic Control and Quickmix.

“It’s great that we can involve our local skilled services in this transformational project which will provide the facilities to really change the way we live and interact with each other recreationally in the city when it opens later this year,” she said.

“The external 50 metre pool structure is being rebuilt and the internal pools including the 25 metre pool, program pool, learn to swim pool and the splash pad are currently under construction within the centre.

“The 50 metre pool is now a rebuilt shell and BADGE is currently concreting the ramps and steps.

The existing pool base is being cleaned and ready for wet deck installation and tiling.

“Myrtha will then complete the wall panels and liners.

“Inside the pool hall, the pool frames and shells are now built and the process of concreting the seating, ramps and steps has begun.

“Once this is complete, wet decks will be installed and tiling will commence, then Myrtha will complete the liners.”

Ms Cernovskis said, despite the delays, the building continued to take shape in the other internal spaces with wall framing works, wall and ceiling sheeting, painting, wall and floor tiling, aluminium windows and doors and joinery installation.

“The expansive courts area is beginning to look quite striking with work on ceiling framing and featured lining, tiered seating and internal aluminium windows and door,” she said.

“Meanwhile, the external façade features timber, glazing, limestone and cladding.

“The outside of the building is really attracting the attention of those who drive by the site for a look.

“The cladding, limestone and glazing work beautifully together and it’s going to look fantastic when it’s all finished.

“The centre is expected to reach lock up stage by early April at this point.”

About 1600 solar panels are being installed across the entire roof of the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre this week.

The panels are expected to generate 700 kilowatts of power per day.

“The system is powerful enough to ensure the centre is self-sufficient when it comes to solar power generation,” Ms Cernovskis said.

“We cannot wait for you to see and experience the centre for yourself and while delays can be frustrating, it will certainly be worth the wait.”

Ms Cernovskis said council was in the final stages of negotiating a partnership model contract with an operator for the centre.

“The contract is expected to be executed soon and follows an extensive tender process.

“Details about the operating model and entry fees will be determined once we announce the operator of the facility,” she said.