Goulburn Mulwaree Council facing rising costs for aquatic centre redevelopment

Goulburn Mulwaree Council is to enter into negotiations with two companies over the Goulburn Aquatic Centre redevelopment, with tenders to build the new facility having exceeded its construction budget by around $4 million.

Having budgeted $29 million for the redevelopment of the facility, project price submissions from all tenderers exceeded the total allocated construction.

As a result, the Council has resolved to negotiate with Zauner Constructions and FDC Contracting on a modified layout for a design and construction engagement. The gymnasium, sauna, spa and crèche will be priced as an additional option.

Stage 1 of the Goulburn Aquatic Centre redevelopment also includes: a new eight lane indoor pool, refurbishment of the existing 25 metre indoor pool and conversion to a program pool, a warm water pool, new change rooms, a new café, a new entrance plaza and expanded car park and the repair the expansion joints in the existing outdoor pool and refurbishment of the wet deck.

Explaining the move, a Council spokesperson said both builders are experienced with aquatic centre construction and achieved an almost identical score in the value for money ranking evaluation.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk told the Goulburn Post “we currently have $29 million budgeted for this project, and while it's disappointing that the tenders have come in above the current budget, we are focused on delivering the best outcome and an Aquatic Centre that will service our region for the next 50 years.

"Councillors would like to have the option of including the sauna, spa and gymnasium, so we have asked for that to be priced separately as a possible additional option. This may increase the cost of the facility, but the council also believes we have one shot at this project, and we are looking to provide the very best facility possible for our region."

The outcome of negotiations with Zauner Constructions and FDA Contracting will be reported back to Council at the meeting to be held on 3rd March 2020.

Image: An artist's impression of the new Aquatic Centre. Courtesy of Goulburn Mulwaree Council.