Sockburn Park costs rise

Press, 24 May 1985, Page 5

Sockburn Park costs rise

The Paparua County Council is faced with a cost for the Sockburn Park redevelopment well above its original estimate.

Instead of $368,000 thought to be enough for the redevelopment, the council has received an up-dated estimate of $428,880. This new estimate was based on the cheapest building tender from Peter Scott Building Contractors to build a new

complex in the park. At last evening’s reserves committee meeting Cr J. S. M. Kyle said he was concerned that the new estimate did not even include electrical and plumbing costs.

“I’m worried about this kind of cost overrun,” he said. “The original estimate was so far out it was ridiculous.”

Cr U. J. Baker said that

someone's “head was on the block” for the difference in

the estimates. “For a similar project that I am part of our estimates are close to the scheduled costs. This is public money we are dealing with and the sub-committee for the redevelopment should be told.”

The sub-committee’s chairman, Cr D. R. Shipley, said that since the first estimates circumstances

had arisen that were beyond the committee’s control.

“We have to replace the existing building which has become dangerous. Everyone knew something had to be done but I’m sure that more homework for the original estimate should have been done.

“If we don’t go ahead with the project we could face closing the Sockburn Pool.”