Council optimistic Coastlands Aquatic Centre will be finished

8 Jan 2013

Chief Executive Pat Dougherty says he left last night’s meeting with Mainzeal receivers much more positive than when he went in.

Mr Dougherty, accompanied by Deputy CE Tamsin Evans and Council’s legal representative, met with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Wellington last night. They were there to discuss the Coastlands Aquatic Centre project in the wake of the collapse of contractor Mainzeal Property and Construction.

Mr Dougherty says the meeting, which involved representatives of Mainzeal, was “very constructive”.

“It was a positive meeting and we felt there was acknowledgement that a solution needs to be found as soon as possible to enable the project to be completed.

“The receivers are considering a number of possible options but need to hold further discussion with the subcontractors. Importantly, they seem as keen as we are to get things moving again and to ultimately finish the project.”

Mr Dougherty says that while he is confident the project will be completed, he won’t be feeling entirely relieved until he sees work on the site begin again.

“I drove past this morning as I do every morning and felt very sad to see things so quiet. I feel for the sub contractors and their families as well as the sponsors and wider community. We have invested so much in this project and we are so nearly there.”

Council expect to have a proposal from the receivers late on Monday.

ends

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