It’s back to square one for Central Coast Council in facilitating upgrades for the Niagara Park Stadium.
Council decided at its June 27 meeting to decline tenders for the work so far received and enter instead into private negotiations to reach a better price.
Work at the facility includes upgrades to the driveway, carpark, accessible ramp, building façade and amenities.
Niagara Park Stadium plays host to regional, state and national sporting and community events.
It was built in 1999, and since that time, the accessible access leading from the stadium’s main car park has deteriorated.
Council received NSW Stronger Country Communities funding in November 2021 for the upgrade of the driveway, carpark, accessible ramp and building façade totalling $850,000.
Planned works will improve access to the facility for people with a disability through a new pathway, carparking, wayfinding, lighting, covered access and further improvements internally to change rooms and amenities.
Between October 11 and November 8 Council sought community feedback on the concept plans for the accessibility improvements with 89 per cent of the community supporting the key features.
Council released an open tender on January 31, with eight contracting firms attending a mandatory tender meeting.
The tender closed on March 21, with only two tenders received, both of which significantly exceeded the available budget and included items requiring further consideration and negotiation.
Council will now commence private negotiations with interested parties (whether or not they were a tenderer).
Source:
Central Coast Council meeting, Jun 27