Asbestos problem delays Centre revamp

Andrew Cowie • Published 24 Feb 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Nothing happening yet at Centre.

THE refurbishment plans for Lochgelly Centre look certain to fall well behind schedule after delays in the project were revealed this week.

Problems in processing tenders for the £2m revamp project and an asbestos problem in the 33 year-old building are the main reasons for the delay.

Local councillor Mark Hood said that he had been surprised at the lack of activity at the Centre which closed in December and this week he found out why there was little going on.

Councillor Hood said, "I am very disappointed at the lack of the progress with regards to work on the refurbishment of the Lochgelly Centre.

"The facility has been lost to the community for nearing three months and to find out that apart from moving out staff and equipment nothing has happened, is very frustrating".

He added, "I will be writing to the officers responsible requesting a full status report for the Lochgelly Centre redevelopment project.

"I expect that to include revised completion dates and a plan to bring the project back in on schedule. I will make sure the report is made available to the community through the Lochgelly Community Council.

"This is all the more disappointing given the recent delay in the construction of the new gym hall at St Patrick's Primary School. The failure of the council to keep the local residents informed of progress is a fundamental error the council seem to repeat on each project."

A council official on Monday confirmed the problems at the Centre.

Greig Hill, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Property Services said, "Adhering to the new Scheme of Tender Procedures within the Council's Standing Orders for tendering and letting contracts has caused a delay in work beginning on site at the Lochgelly Centre.

"However, tenders for the works have been issued and things are moving forward.

"In addition to the main works, because there is asbestos in the building we need to make sure it is removed first to ensure safety.

"We expect the asbestos removal work will begin in the next few of weeks.

"We understand that this delay is frustrating but the building must be made safe before the main work can begin."

When the Centre revamp was confirmed last year it was expected that the facility would be out of action for a year. That now seems likely to extend to nearer 15 months at least barring other problems with the project.

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