Pavillion progress at Duncan Mckinnon Reserve

Recently along with other Councillors I was provided with an on-site tour of the construction site of our current major capital project - the new pavillion at Duncan Mckinnon. This is a $9.5 million project that will deliver wonderful new modern facilities to the literally thousands of local children and families who play sport at our busiest recreational facility. There will also be a reconfiguration of the carpark to allow for safer traffic movements.

As one who competed on the track from the mid-seventies to now seeing family members participating in the netball competitions there, it is especially pleasing to see this progress.

The photos above show the construction is well advanced-with completion on track for the end of March next year and I will post regular updates-

new Duncan Mckinnon pavillion update

One of the concerns I've raised several times over the past few months has been the continued delay in commencing the construction of the new pavillion at Duncan Mckinnon Reserve, Murrumbeena and the consequences for other projects on the new pavillion program. Originally planned to start mid 2011 comencement is now most probably in June after tender arrangements are finalised. Whilst some delays are reasonable it has been a disappointing start to what will be fantastic new facilities used be many hundreds of local children and families who participate in the wide range of sports at the centre including netball, athletics, cricket and soccer. It has been designated our pavillion's program highest priority for these reasons and the sheer numbers that participates as anyone who rides or drives past on a Saturday morning will attest to. Temporary facilities will be provided over the approx 90 week construction phase for user groups.

new Duncan Mckinnon pavillion- concerns raised at delayed commencement

Whilst much of the concerns of recent months has been around the new sports and aquatic centre (GESAC) just up the road Council's other large project- the construction of the new pavillion at Duncan Mckinnon reserve ($8.8m total) is raising its own concerns.

From an expected commencement starting date of mid-2011 and with no tenders for construction yet before Council there are still no firm dates for this project to start and thus to be completed. As a regular visitor to the netball and athletics club activities I understand how this delay is leading to increased uncertainty after community expectations that this much needed new facility would be operational by September 2012.

At the first Councillor assembly meeting in January I have requested a full update and explanation by our administration for the current situation. I acknowledge there were some delays caused by VicRoads in approving the new carpark entrances. However this should not have prevented the preparation and finalisation of the tender documents for construction being completed.

Any potential further starting delay past mid 2012 could have ramifications for the 2013/14 summer athletic competitions.