Changed pool figure given as $1,957,826

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32676, 4 August 1971, Page 1

Changed pool figure given as $1,957,826

(By our City Council reporter) Alterations to the Centennial Pool to fit it for the 1974 Commonwealth Games are now estimated to cost $1,957,826, or $430,000 more than the previously estimated final cost.

The figures were given to a speciaUneeting of the City Council yesterday when the debate at times grew more heated than at any other time in recent years except when the purchase of Mona Vale or the motorway across North Hagley Park were being discussed.

The park motorway was referred to by Cr N. G. Pickering, Labour’s mayoral candidate, and the motorway and pool projects were allied by him in an attack on the Mayor (Mr A. R. Guthrey) as a man who wanted to use bulldozers to get his own way.

In return, Cr Pickering received a broadside of criticism from Citizens’ Association councillors for making a “political football” out of the pool costs issue and of seeking votes and even “personal aggrandisement.” His only “official” Labour

colleague, Cr R. M. Macfarlane, had what for him must have been the dubious honour of being praised for his "responsible” attitude. He urged a close guard on costs of the Games—not just the pool, but Lancaster Park as well. An erstwhile Labour colleague, Cr R. H. Stillwell, who has lost his party’s support because of his support of the Centennial Pool site, found himself with Citizens’ supporters. Pool position After the debate, which at one stage led Cr L. G. Amos to advise Cr Pickering: “Watch the table” when he punctuated his points by re-

peated thumps, the pool position is:

Quantity surveyors have been engaged to give an estimated total cost of the whole project, within a margin of 10 per cent, and at a fee of $9OO to $lOOO. The City Engineer (Mr P. G. Scoular) will give monthly reports on up-to-date estimates of the total cost. Mr Scoular will report on possible savings by altering materials. The training pool and restaurant will probably be deleted from the plan and the learners’ pool increased. All these proposals will be

reported-back to the council at its next meeting on August 16.

They were preferred to an amendment by Cr Pickering that Mr Scoular and two consulting engineers, Messrs C. W. Hamann and W. LovellSmith be a sub-committee to report on the total cost of improving the pool, the report to be completed within one month and presented at a special meeting to which representatives of contributing local bodies would be invited. Possible savings Mr Scoular will be asked to report on the following possible savings:— Tiling on the concourse surround and other areas such as dressing sheds, to see whether they could be replaced with a plastered finish.

Deletion of a hoarding fee normally charged on works of this nature and consideration of waiving or reduction by consent of the bond fee. ' Terrazzo panels in the walkway could be deleted and the area finished in a cheaper form of covering or left bare with painted pipework. Heating and ventilating systems.

A different and cheaper type of foundation for the main pool. Whether different types of insulation would reduce costs on roofing and ceiling materials. Wall finishes, spacing between purlins, and any other items technical officers can suggest.