Media Release
26 May 2022
Final Costings Revealed for Naracoorte Library
A final construction cost of $2.44M for the Naracoorte Library Redevelopment has been outlined in a report tabled by Chief Executive Officer Trevor Smart at the May 2022 Council Meeting.
With an original pre-tender cost estimate of $2.5M, provided by consultants Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), Council has delivered the project including all construction, furniture, shelving, signage, streetscaping and ITC at a final cost of $2,444,883, with a more detailed overview of costs contained in the report.
The construction and streetscaping contract with Mossop Construction and Interiors was $2,178,770, with Council spending a further $204,000 on furniture, shelving, equipment and ITC resources. Council spent a further $61,214 (2.6%) on building contingencies, which was largely for unknown building conditions and issues discovered during demolition and construction.
In 2019, Council purchased the old Naracoorte Herald building, which is adjacent to the existing heritage-listed Naracoorte Town Hall. The redevelopment connected the two buildings to deliver a more comprehensive community space.
The final project delivered:
- A new Library including all furniture, shelving, ITC and signage
- Upgraded streetscaping and landscaping extending from the front of the Library to the front of the Town Hall
- Public art and upgrades at the rear of the Library on Ormerod Street
- Upgraded Town Hall toilets and foyer area
RLB cost estimates for the project were provided in June 2021 after Council’s budget process for the 2021-2022 financial year. At the time of forming the 2021-2022 budget, Council earmarked an indicative amount of $2,000,000 as true costs were unknown until the project was tested in the construction market and the tender process was undertaken and a contract awarded.
While Council could have provided an updated budget amount (through a budget review) based on cost estimates, this would have compromised the tender process through those tendering having greater knowledge of expected costs.
Final costs for the Naracoorte Library Redevelopment:
DESCRIPTION | $ BUDGET | $ ACTUAL |
Construction Tender | $2,178,770.00 | $2,178,770.00 |
Purchase by Council outside of Tender | ||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | $127,000.00 | $150,174.60 |
Signage | $35,000.00 | $26,317.50 |
ITC and Audio Visual | $39,000.00 | $28,407.60 |
Total Project Costs | $2,379,770.00 | $2,383,669.30 |
Construction Contingency Allowance | $156,369.00 | $61,214.02 |
Total Project Costs including contingency allowance | $2,536,139.00 | $2,444,883.72 |
Chief Executive Officer Trevor Smart said he was pleased with the final costs, the quality of construction and the outcome for the community.
“Council is pleased with the outcome which is a credit to all involved in this project. We extended the original scope of the project to include works in the Town Hall and to extend the streetscaping, so to increase the budget and deliver a more complete construction package for the community was the right decision.
“We have been able to transform the Town Hall foyer into a gallery space which has been a great value add to the project and given the public entrance to the Town Hall an overall lift as well.
“In regards to final costings, a contingency spend was approximately 2.6%, an excellent result, and reinforces the thought that went into ensuring best value for money. As with any construction project involving an existing building, unknown conditions can be discovered, but between Council and Mossop, we kept these decisions practical, sensible and cost effective.
“I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the new Naracoorte Library to do so and have a chat to the Library team about using the new spaces as well as the new programs and activities on offer.”