Construction has been delayed on Mount Gambier’s largest ever infrastructure project the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre at Olympic Park.
Mount Gambier City Council flagged the delays on Tuesday, saying work was progressing despite delays due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The length of delay has not been specified by council, however project sponsor Barbara Cernovskis said the building would be at lockup stage towards the end of this year.
Ms Cernovskis said council was not yet in a position to determine a revised completion date, which was initially scheduled for Autumn 2022. She said head contractor BADGE Constructions was currently installing the roof on the facility.
“If you drive past the development regularly or keep an eye on the monthly time lapse videos released by council you would have seen a lot of activity on site during the past couple of months,” she said.
“Now the roof is being installed, we can really see the inside of the building starting to take shape. Crews are working on ceiling framing and closing the walls and partitions between the community spaces, amenities and office area.
“There are currently about 80 people working on site each day and the total workforce is expected to reach about 120 in the coming months,” Ms Cernovskis said.
“The blockwork for the courts, amenity facilities and aquatics area has started, ongoing internal electrical, mechanical and plumbing services works continues as does structural steel works in the court area and western storage area.”
Ms Cernovskis said 1300 solar panels would be installed in the coming weeks.
“The program of works is being amended and prioritised to address any delays and challenges due to the changing environment of COVID-19,” she said.
“It is challenging building in a COVID-19 environment, particularly due to periodic lockdowns hindering the procurement of goods and contractors from Victoria.
“Border restrictions have made it difficult to secure the required trades on site and it has been a challenge to find specialist trades to undertake some of the jobs required.
“The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will be life changing for our community and it will be worth the wait.”
