Media Release
20 February 2013
Update on HBRC building

The cost of repairing the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s office building in Dalton Street has doubled to an estimated $2.2 million now the extent of the recladding and remedial work required has been determined.

The offices were built in 2005 by Herbert Construction and some defects were repaired in 2008, however further remedial work is necessary to fully address the problems. Court proceedings are underway by HBRC against Herbert Construction seeking recovery of the costs of fixing the defects in the building.

Today the council voted to award the remedial works contract to Mackersey Construction and approve an increase in the internal loan provision from $300,000 to $812,000 to fund the repair work.

A report to today’s meeting also asked council to encourage staff to continue to pursue recovery of the cost of the remedial works from Herbert Construction.

HBRC Group Manager Asset Management Mike Adye says an initial rough estimate for the repair work was $1 million, however after thorough investigations the figure has increase to $2.2 million to ensure the building has an effective life of at least 50 years.

The work includes:

• The re-cladding of complete sections of the building
• The removal and reinstatement of sections of rubberised roof covering, perimeter guttering and some windows.
• The sealing of gaps within the fire walls
• The re-lining and decorating of interior finishes where necessary
• Replacement of flashings around windows and at cladding joints

Mike Adye says once council awards the tender the work will begin in March and is expected to take up to nine months. The building will continue to operate during that period. He says the contractor will work with HBRC to minimise disruption.

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