Baths miss Xmas opening

Beca consultants have informed Auckland City Council that the $4.2m refurbishment project for the Parnell Baths will not be ready for the expected 22 December 2002 opening.

Delays have been caused by a number of factors including bad weather, a general shortage of skilled labour, and issues with concrete curing prior to tiling and painting.

Project mangers have also said concrete pours at the Britomart rail site have affected the city’s pour capacity and had an impact on programming work at the baths.

The chairperson of the Recreation and Events Committee, Councillor Scott Milne, says it’s a shame but understandable that the original opening time can’t be achieved, but the most important thing is that the job is done right the first time.

“What is fantastic about Auckland at present is the number of projects on the go. Our labour force is absolutely stretched to the limit.

We want to make sure everything’s in order. It’s going to be something the city can be immensely proud of. We’ll still be able to swim there this summer,” Mr Milne said.

The revised opening date has yet to be confirmed, but is likely to be towards the end of January 2003.

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