Moss Vale Civic Centre reopened after contractor fired for delay, performance failures

The Moss Vale Civic Centre has reopened, not long after the contractor responsible for the contentious renovation was fired by the council for performance and delay issues.

The Moss Vale Civic Centre has reopened, not long after the contractor responsible for the contentious renovation was fired by the council for performance and delay issues.

The Moss Vale Civic Centre has reopened, not long after the contractor responsible for the contentious renovation was fired by the council for performance and delay issues.

Renovation work on the Civic Centre, which houses the Wingecarribee Shire Council Chambers, began in January last year and was expected to be completed in January this year.

Despite the ongoing works to renew the building, Wingecarribee Shire Council opened the doors to residents on Tuesday.

General Manager Lisa Miscamble noted the improved accessibility, more inclusive customer service facilities such as a self-service kiosk, four new informal meeting rooms for residents to discuss council business, a new office space and a redesigned library.

Works on Moss Vale Civic Centre have been costly and controversial.

“The jewel in the crown is without a doubt the reconstructed library,” Ms Miscamble said. 

“It now offers a more welcoming  and modern light-filled area for patrons to enjoy at their leisure.” 

The foyer, council chambers and customer service area have all been renovated during the lengthy and contentious refurbishment of the Civic Centre. 

After months of concerns about the increasing cost and extravagance of the Wingecarribee Shire Civic Centre, the contractors responsible for the delayed renovation were terminated on October 21. 

Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager, Lisa Miscamble, said the decision to terminate Matrix Group was necessary due to the increased delays, performance breaches, and the builders’ failure to manage subcontractors and tradespersons. 

“The extended delays and performance issues were ultimately unacceptable,” she said.

“On behalf of Council I apologise to all residents who have been inconvenienced by the delayed construction.” 

Wingecarribee Shire Council Chambers are housed within the Civic Centre. Picture: Wingecarribee Shire Council

The Finch Report tendered to council revealed the tender for the refurbishment had been accepted by council before the Office of Local Government had approved the works – a clear violation of the Local Government Act.

In the council meeting on August 11, interim administrator Viv May said the cost of renovating the civic centre had become vastly more expensive than originally expected, with no explanation for the increased cost.

“Council accepted a contract of $6.8 million and the now allocated funds are $10.8 million – nearly 60 per cent more,” he said.

The multimillion-dollar increase in expense has not been explained by documentation, much like the mysteriously inflating cost of the failed Station St project.

Mr May labelled the general manager and mayoral meeting rooms as “extravagant” and questioned whether the council had received value for the millions of dollars of ratepayers‘ money spent.

“In relation to this building, it’s as muddy as the landscaping outside,” he said.

“I’m not saying that there’s any impropriety, but let’s just get to the truth.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager Lisa Miscamble in the renovated Council Chambers. Picture: Adelaide Lang

In a statement about the termination of the builder, Ms Miscamble sought to reassure the public the centre could be completed without further extensive delays or cost blowouts.

The general manager said the council would complete the refurbishment using existing vendor arrangements and local tradespeople, which would negate the need for further tender processes.

“Fortunately, our contingency plans enable us to step in and complete the remainder of the project,” she said.

Ms Miscamble said the majority of the outstanding works are located “externally and back of house”, so normal council operations can resume without interruption to customers.

According to the council, the renovation of the civic centre is expected to be completed at the end of the year.

Matrix Group has been contacted for comment.

Wingecarribee Shire Council Civic Centre is located at 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale. The customer service centre is open to the public from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays.