THE Lavington Sportsground redevelopment could blow out by $2 million after a delay on stage one works was caused by a large amount of soil base being found to be unsuitable.
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The works relate to the new sports field being created at the eastern end of the main oval which is also being upgraded as part of a revamp originally costed at $8 million.
It was until excavation started that a “significant quantity” of unsuitable material was identified on the site.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said council undertook all due diligence and soil testing before work started mid-year, but a detailed investigation was underway.
Stage one won’t be completed mid-2018.
“Professional experts were engaged to conduct geotechnical tests and other investigations to establish whether the soil was appropriate to be used as the base for the new sports field,” Cr Mack said.
“Unfortunately, the results of those tests have been found to be inaccurate.
“Had the initial tests revealed an issue with the soil, a different design process would have been undertaken.”
Cr Mack said council could not provide further comment on the testing process until the investigation was completed.
But he said the financial shortfall of between $1.5 million and $2 million could be offset by savings from a number of other major city projects coming in under budget.
“Although this is a disappointing development, I’m pleased to say it will not result in any increase in costs to ratepayers and nor will any other services or programs be affected,” he said.
“The additional costs will be offset by savings achieved thanks to effective planning, procurement and construction of other projects.
“Work continues on the sports ground redevelopment and stage one is due to be completed in the first quarter of 2018 with turf to be on the ground by Easter.”
The tender for the construction of the new amenities pavilion at the site will be considered by council at its December meeting.
In late 2015, the council secured $4 million from the federal government’s national stronger region fund for the redevelopment of the facility purchased from the Panthers Group in 2009.
Council originally agreed to chip in $3.5 million with a further $250,000 from the AFL and Lavington Panthers football-netball and cricket clubs also contributing.
