MEDIA RELEASE

Coastlands Aquatic Centre work starts again

12 MARCH 2013

Work on Coastlands Aquatic Centre has re-started after an agreement was signed between Kāpiti Coast District Council and receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Chief Executive Pat Dougherty said the agreement was ‘fantastic news’ for the community and a relief for Council. The $21.1m project was just weeks away from completion when Mainzeal went into receivership last month.

“We cannot comment on the detail of arrangements between the receivers and subcontractors, but we are very pleased the project can now move toward completion,” said Mr Dougherty.

“The community has been waiting a long time for this much needed facility and the delay in construction has been disappointing for many - not least the subcontractors working on the project. Their loyalty and commitment to completing the aquatic centre, despite the financial uncertainty in recent weeks, is to be applauded,” said Mr Dougherty.

Negotiations have been ongoing between the receivers and more than 30 subcontractors since the Waitangi Day news of Mainzeal’s collapse.

Some work has continued on the project since then but from today 10 subcontractors are working on site, with more joining over the coming weeks as required.

Mr Dougherty says one of the saddest manifestations of the stalled project over the past few weeks has been the bright blue hydroslide lying in sections onsite.

“We should see the hydroslide go up this week which will be a significant sign to the community that it’s business as usual and the project is moving forward.

“We’ve lost some momentum since the collapse so it will take a bit longer than seven weeks to finish,” said Mr Dougherty, “We are pleased three key Mainzeal staff, including the project manager, are remaining on the job and completion in May or June should be achievable.”

Mainzeal’s collapse would result in some extra cost to Council in legal fees and project management, but the $21.1m building cost had not increased.

Aquatic Centre Trust chair Neil Mackay said the Council had achieved a good result with the agreement and he hoped the community would soon be enjoying this long awaited facility.
The Aquatic Centre, which features a high-tech translucent roof, will replace the 60-year-old Raumati Pool which no longer serves the needs of Kāpiti’s growing community.

ENDS

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