Pool repair contract awarded

 

The Council announced today that the contract for the repairs to the Whakatane District Aquatic Centre has been awarded to Watts & Hughes. 

Whakatane District Mayor Colin Holmes says “while it is extremely disappointing that poor performance by a consultant had resulted in this situation, the Council is pleased that finally the complex will be repaired to a high standard. With the installation of appropriate air conditioning the pool users will enjoy an improved environment. 

Early this year (2009) the Council undertook consultation with key stakeholders and the community and were given a clear message that, while there is no best time to close the complex, closure is scheduled for the first week of April 2010 for approximately eight months. The closure period will depend on what the extent of the damage is when the cladding is removed. The users and the public will be kept informed through regular updates.  

Mr Holmes explains that the Council has engaged Alexander and Co to assist with the building repair process. 

The Council’s Community Projects Manager Barbara Dempsey explains “that to minimise the impact on our customers, arrangements to relocate the gymnasium are being finalised and the outdoor pool will be open before the repair work is completed.  

The repair project requires the installation of a continuous air and vapour barrier correctly installed in the walls and roof. To do this, the roof, walls and windows will need to be removed and many fixtures and fittings replaced. In addition the centre needs correctly sized and located insulation, appropriate windows and major improvements to air conditioning equipment and plant. 

The Whakatane District Aquatic Centre has been operating under an interim Code of Compliance, but the new Building Act requires a full Code of Compliance before the 31 March 2010, otherwise the pool will need to close.  

The Council has been in dispute with the architects since shortly after the defects were identified, the work undertaken to finalise the tender has identified the full extent of the known problems (as opposed to those may be uncovered during the repairs), which will inform the litigation process.