Hepburn Hub redevelopment at The Rex in Daylesford hits another hurdle

The council announced this week that, after protracted negotiations, the parties were unable to come to a mutually satisfactory position around issues with the scope of the building works.

Earlier this year Council announced construction works would be due to start in February and end in late June - but the builder raised queries about the existing conditions of the building.

The renovation of The Rex building on Vincent Street will eventually house council offices, a library, co-working space, customer service desk and community auditorium.

Council purchased the building in 2016 for $6.345 million, with an original development budget of $1.25 million but in September it endorsed an amended project budget of $7.13 million.

At the same meeting Hutchinson's Builders were awarded the contract but then found unforeseen issues with the building resulting in this week's contract termination.

"We want to get on with delivering this project because we see the benefits for the community from consolidating staff into one building, relocating to a bigger and better library and providing some unique community spaces at The Rex," said Hepburn mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt.

"We will start a new tender process for the building works immediately, and in the coming months will present to Council a report to appoint a new builder and get on with the build."

Cr Hewitt said council appreciated Hutchinson's endeavours to identify and attempt to resolve issues with the building prior to commencement of the latest stage of works, which were due to be completed earlier this year.

IN OTHER NEWS

"I understand that this isn't the news anyone wanted to hear, but we have the opportunity now to move forward with the project," Cr Hewitt said.

Cr Hewitt said neither council nor the builders had any claims against the other and council had not incurred any extra costs resulting from the contract termination.

Had the last round of works begun on time, it was anticipated the project would have been completed by August but it is now unknown when the long-awaited Hepburn Hub will be finished.

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