The SE Voice journalist Bri Robinson last week toured the new multi-million-dollar Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, under construction in the heart of Mount Gambier.
Mount Gambier City Council invited local journalists to tour the Margaret Street premises to learn more about the progress of the impressive facility. Here’s what Bri learned.
“When will the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre open?” was a question recently met with hesitation by project sponsor Barbara Cernovskis.
Despite admitting there have been delays, Ms Cernovskis was unable to confirm the completion date of the multi-million-dollar centre.
The question was posed to Ms Cernovskis during a recent behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art facility.
It has been just over 12 months since head contractor for the project Badge Constructions took possession of Olympic Park.
The project was initially expected to be completed by summer 2021, then extended to autumn 2022.
Mount Gambier City Council reported that for over 30 years there have been community discussions about the need for an indoor aquatic centre.
Needless to say, it is understandable the community’s push for a more accurate completion date.
However, Ms Cernovskis admitted there has been delays that have impacted the envisaged autumn completion date.
Also understandably are the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.
Ms Cernovskis reiterated previous comments, saying it has been challenging building in a COVID-19 environment.
“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,” she said.
“The program of works is being amended and prioritised to address any delays and challenges due to the changing environment of COVID-19.”
Despite the delay, workers have been on site each day to ensure the project moves closer to completion.
Currently, there are around 80 people working on site and the build is expected to be bolstered in the coming months.
The total workforce is expected to reach about 120.
The community has been able to watch the construction take shape, whether it be driving by the site or via time lapse photography regularly uploaded on council’s website.
Recording the evolution of the project as the build progresses has played a significant part in keeping the community up to date.
Watching the time lapse on screen has been impressive to see the sheer scale of the build.
Even more impressive was the privilege of extending that experience to physically walking through the shell of the structure.
Insight into the build was provided by Badge construction manager Steven Crowther. Mayor Lynette Martin and councillor Sonya Mezinec were also present to offer discussion.
Walking through the progressing site while Mr Crowther explained each zone, thoughts wandered imagining the site being used to its full potential.
Thoughts of feeling the completion was close yet so far away were diminished as you appreciate the sheer scale of the build and the extraordinary challenges presented by COVID-19.
Despite this, progress has been evident and has continued in one form or another to ensure the long-awaited project comes to fruition.
A significant stage of the build expected to be completed soon is the roof structure.
The timber rafters have been a story in its own right. Described as a “logistical nightmare” to transport to site, now fixed in place, are worth appreciating.
Now the roof is near completion on council’s largest ever infrastructure project the inside of the building is starting to take shape.
“Crews are working on ceiling framing and closing the walls and partitions between the community spaces, amenities and office area,” Ms Cernovskis said.
Ms Cernovskis had previously stated blockwork for the courts, amenity facilities and aquatics area has started, along with ongoing internal electrical, mechanical and plumbing services works continues as does structural steel works in the court area and western storage area.
In the coming weeks 1300 solar panels are expected to also be installed.
Ms Cernovskis reassured it would be worth the wait.
“We will keep the community updated on the project time frames as the build progresses,” she said.
I wondered who else would be invited for exclusive access to the site during the construction phase, an idea which is currently being explored.
According to Ms Cernovskis, public tours may extend to residents and business owners that have endured the construction nearby.
Council’s elected members have recently had a second group visit and senior students from St Martin’s Lutheran College had a sneak peek in October.
Meanwhile, any further information on the centre has been kept confidential.
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Committee (formerly the Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee), held monthly meetings since February this year, each being in confidence.
Matters listed in the agendas had included updates on the centre’s brand development, parent control group progress report, request for expressions of interest for management of the hub, review of financial delegations and review of confidentiality orders.
Design services construction and defects liability period, as well as stage three community reference group membership recommendations have also been reported on at the meetings.
The committee ceased operating in September, as per council resolution.
