Council to overhaul ageing Civic Centre
Wingecarribee Shire Council is proposing to undertake a renovation of its Civic Centre in Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale.
The proposal to refurbish the Council building is designed to address numerous deficiencies in the current administration centre.
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s General Manager, Jason Gordon said the Civic Centre was fast approaching the end of its serviceable life if no major action was soon undertaken.
“The building was originally built in 1970 and extended in 1997,” he said.
“Since this time the only work carried out on the building has been routine maintenance, painting and an upgrade of amenities for staff and the public.
“The Civic Centre has now reached a point where considerable work is required to bring the building up to modern standards. Like all buildings, if left to deteriorate, the cost will rise and the safety of our staff and customers may be comprised,” Mr Gordon said.
Issues identified include addressing structural faults to the roof and brickwork, upgrading the building’s security system, repairing windows and fixtures, rectifying the ageing air conditioning, installation of an accessible lift and fire protection systems and general replacement of carpets and painting.
Other issues to be looked at include allowing provision for rain water harvesting, installation of solar electricity panels and natural lighting ducts. This is being proposed to increase the building’s environmental efficiency and reduce water and electricity consumption.
It is also proposed to relocate the Customer Service Centre to the front of the building to better serve customers and allow visitors more practical access upon arrival to the centre. Other considerations may include various options in relation to the current library facilities that could better serve the residents of Moss Vale.
“Most importantly, in its current state the building does not meet numerous modern building codes including accessibility and mobility, environmental, customer and Workplace Health and Safety standards.
“For example, at the present, customers and employees with a disability have no way of accessing the second floor at the rear of the building,” Mr Gordon said.
Council proposes to fund up to $5 million for the project from Council’s Infrastructure Recovery Strategy budget. The loan repayment would be equivalent to the money that is currently spent annually on essentially maintenance and replacement.
Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2012 with an estimated construction period of 12 to 18 months.
“Council has not taken the decision to refurbish the Civic Centre lightly,” Mr Gordon added.
“But we believe these repairs are in the best interests of our customers and employees and will assist in meeting the growing needs of our Shire’s citizens.”
Additional information on the Civic Centre refurbishment project can be found at: www.wsc.nsw.gov.au or via Council’s Business Services Team on phone 4868 0888.