22 March 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to allocate a further $110,000 to the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project for additional remediation works and storm water drainage works at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Contract Project Manager Mike Silver said demolition of the former main pavilion highlighted that structural elements of the old basement had deteriorated more than expected, resulting in the need for further remediation works.

“The construction plan provides for the new pavilion to be constructed over the existing basement section of the original pavilion,” Mr Silver said.

“Demolition work has revealed the need for additional remediation works on that area to ensure the structural capability of the new pavilion is not compromised.

“Despite the need for additional remediation works, the retention of the basement is the most cost-effective method to provide the base footprint for the new pavilion. Complete demolition of the basement section and subsequent rebuilding would have been an extremely expensive exercise.

“Adjustments to the storm water drainage system around the pool complex will also be addressed in the funding allocation to ensure the effective operation of the system,” he said.

“This is a multi-million dollar project that will have an operational life of at least 60 years. It will be a huge benefit to the Gunnedah community, so Council needs to make sure it gets it right.”

Construction of the new 50 metre pool is progressing on schedule with the last floor slab poured earlier in the week and installation of Peri Wall formwork shutters for the deep end high wall are well advanced.

“Work on the site will focus on completing the 50 metre pool walls and bringing the new pavilion building to floor level over the next month,” Mr Silver said.

A further $35,000 will be drawn from the Gunnedah Water Fund to relocate the overflow from the South Street water supply reservoir that previously cycled through the pool storm water drainage system.

Photo 1: Further remediation works are required for the original basement area of the former pavilion.

Photo 2: Formwork shutters are being installed in the new outdoor 50 metre pool after the final slab was poured.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.