North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment

Council has appointed an independent consultant to review its management of the pool redevelopment project to ensure it remains on track. The review was prompted by delays and cost variations created by a range of factors, including:

• the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown last year and ongoing disruption caused by shortages in staff and building materials (22 days)
• the extreme rain events associated with La Nina (59 days)
•  the discovery of hazardous materials on site, including asbestos (38 days) 
• design clarification (47 days)

Work began on site in March 2022 with an original completion date of November 2022.  The completion date has been revised to August 2023.

A number of factors are affecting the budget including:
•    the increased cost of building materials, which has been well publicised and affected major projects across Australia;
•    the costs associated with delays, which are being shared by Council and the contractor; and
•    the project contract which allows for variations. This is not uncommon in the construction industry and Council’s budget allowed for a contingency, but this will not be sufficient.

A new steering committee has been appointed as well as a probity advisor who will report directly to Council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.