Builder settles over Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre delays

Building contractor Hansen Yuncken has agreed to pay Glen Eira Council $2 million to settle a protracted construction contract dispute relating to the delayed opening of the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC).

The dispute arose after the opening of the Centre, which had been due scheduled for December 2011, was delayed until May 2012.

Having reached the Victorian Supreme Court the lawsuit was settled when Hansen Yuncken agreed to the Council $2 million.

While the figure is believed to about $1 million less than the Council was seeking for the alleged breach of the $41.2 million contract, councillors have unanimously voted to accept it.

Glen Eira Mayor Neil Pilling told News Ltd media that the result was good news for ratepayers, stating "it's good because it brings everything to a conclusion."

Hansen Yuncken had lodged a defence and a $3 million counter claim, arguing the Council owed it cash for variations it had directed the firm to carry out.

The dispute was over completion delays, alleged variations, alleged defective works, consultants' fees and back charges for use of Council power and water.

In documents filed with the Supreme Court, Hansen Yuncken claimed it was prevented from achieving project milestones because of union rallies, asbestos discovery, changes to pool tile colours, design changes, instruction delays and more.

The terms of the settlement are confidential.

Since completion, GESAC was been named as a finalist in the Premier of Victoria's Sustainability Awards in recognition of its best practice environmentally sustainable design (ESD) features.

GESAC offers:

Aquatic facilities

• Indoor, eight lane 25-metre pool catering for lap swimmers, learn-to-swim, squads, schools and aquatic fitness activities.
• Outdoor, eight lane 50-metre pool catering for lap swimmers, squads, schools and carnivals.
• A 510 metre2 metre Pirates Cove leisure pool equipped with a range of the latest interactive water features and play equipment.
• Two waterslides that travel inside and outside the facility. Users can choose from thePirates Plunge body slide or theShip Wreck raft slide that can be ridden by two users at the same time.
• An aquatic wellness area that is separate from the main pool space - designed as a therapy and relaxation area for adults and incorporates a 200 metre2 hot water pool, spa, sauna and steam room.
• A 100 metre2 program pool that will deliver a range of learn-to-swim and aquatic programs.

Health Club

• A huge 1,000 metre2 gymnasium with a wide array of the latest cardio, pin loaded, free weight and core strength equipment.
• A 285 metre2 group exercise room hosting a wide range of group exercise classes for up to 60 participants, including all Les Mills and Zumba programs.
• A 180 metre2 body and mind studio hosting a wide range of programs such as yoga, pilates and body balance for up to 40 participants.
• A 140 metre2 group cycling studio with a range of cycling fitness classes for up to 40 participants.
• An outdoor 90 metre2 outdoor training terrace offering a range of flexible programming options and district views.

GESAC also offers:

• Consulting suites with tenants offering complimentary health and rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy.
• An occasional care centre that includes indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
• A three court sports stadium available for both competition and hire.
• A retail outlet with a range of aquatic, health club and indoor sport related merchandise.
• A café providing a range of food and drink options to users of the facility.
• A range of different spaces and facilities for hire and on-site catering.

20th September 2013 - GESAC DEVELOPMENT A FINALIST IN THE VICTORIAN PREMIER’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2013 

29th January 2013 - GESAC SIGNS UP ITS 10,000TH MEMBER

16th May 2012 - GLEN EIRA SPORTS AND AQUATIC CENTRE OPENS