Progress report reveals latest on council refurbishment

During construction council staff have been working out of 42 Victoria Street, and all council meetings held in Maclean.

Clarence Valley Council building on Prince Street, Grafton in its current state.

The $6 million Clarence Valley Council building refurbishment in Prince Street is running on schedule according to the latest progress report.

“This project is on-track to be delivered on-time, within budget and to the approved quality standards,” the report stated in the April Ordinary Council Meeting.

However, it was revealed that there had been a recent holdup with construction.

“Construction screw piling activities have been delayed due to the recent flood events,” the report stated.

“However, these activities are not on the critical path and the completion date remains on-track for 3 September 2021.”

According to the report, 28 per cent of the basement and 17 per cent of the ground floor pre construction has been completed. The first floor is currently five per cent complete, while the roof has only just begun.

During construction council staff have been working out of 42 Victoria Street, and all council meetings held in Maclean.

While residents have criticised the $6m refurbishment, the installation of lift access will finally allow people with physical disabilities to access the building more easily. Furthermore, the basement carpark is currently not compliant with the National Construction code as there are no walkways to alternate exits, which poses a safety risk.

As such, the upgrade will provide another internal staircase adjacent to the lift to address this issue.