Critical Reroofing Project Set to Commence

Despite multiple attempts at remedial repairs over the years, the building’s roof is now beyond repair and urgently requires replacement. Frequent rain events have caused significant water leakage, putting the Council's valuable digital assets and equipment at risk of damage. This project is vital for safeguarding what is one of the communities' major assets and the significant infrastructure contained within the building.

In the coming weeks, scaffolding will be erected around parts of the building and will shift as the project progresses through the three stages.

To minimise disruption and ensure continuity of service, the project will be completed in three stages. The first stage is the most visible as it includes the main entrance, governance wing, and Council Chambers.

During this time the public is invited to visit the Makino Aquatic Centre from Monday 17 February where MDC customer service team will be temporarily relocated. Council meetings will be held at St John, 33 Bowen Street for the remainder of the year.

This project will improve the structural integrity of the building. In 2016, a detailed seismic assessment (DSA) was performed to ensure the building satisfied the Building Act 2004 minimum standards for existing buildings. The DSA identified the Manchester Street building as ‘earthquake risk’. Over the following years, various reports have been presented to Council to manage the building upgrade. In the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan, it was identified as a capital project falling within year three.

Council has assessed a number of solutions over the years and concluded the work plan to include a lightweight metal cladding. To accommodate the change in roofing material, the roof will need to be rebattened, insultation panels installs to mitigate environmental noise and an adjustment of the spouting and facia boards. Colspec Construction Ltd was awarded the tender, with Octa Project Management managing the project.

Chief Executive Shayne Harris explained, “The shape of the roof makes the process challenging, but the timing of the project has meant that Council has been able to utilise the tight construction market. While disruptions to staff will occur, the organisation morale is high knowing that the building will no longer leak.”

The Council’s remedial repairs to address leaks have reached the end of their useful life, making this reroofing project critical for protecting the Council’s digital assets. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we carry out this important work, and we thank you for your flexibility while our customer service team is temporarily based at the Makino Aquatic Centre,” Harris added.