The leaking roof at the Star Gymnasium in New Plymouth could soon be in line for a $36,000 makeover.
The Taranaki Badminton Association has made a submission to the New Plymouth District Council’s Draft Annual Plan asking for the roof to be either repaired or replaced.
In a report to the council, its team leader asset management, Jeremy Wichman, recommends replacing the roof at a cost of $35,736 + GST.
In his submission, Star Gymnasium control committee chairman, Dave Meuli, said the leaky roof had become a safety issue.
“Water leaks onto the gymnasium floor making it dangerous for all users which is a health and safety issue,” he said.
“Despite extensive and regular efforts over the last two or three years to determine where the leaks come from, the problem has not been rectified.”
Taranaki Badminton Association junior co-ordinator, Pam Frederickson, said she was worried about damage being done to the relatively new gym floor.
“I am also concerned about the damage that is being done to the floor surface that was renewed two seasons ago,” she said.
Mr Mueli asked Farnsworth Roofing to submit a quote for the necessary repairs and it said they would cost $35,736 .
In his report, Mr Wichman recommended bringing forward scheduled maintenance to the gym’s roof.
“Delaying the work will result in on-going internal damage and continued user frustration,” said Jeremy Wichman, Team Leader Asset Management.
Mr Wichman said the roof was due to be replaced in the 2014/15 financial year and $30,000 had been allocated for this.
He now recommends repairs be brought forward to the 2013/14 budget year at the cost of $35,736 and be funded from the existing property renewals budget.
The council will make its final decision on submissions to the draft annual plan special meeting for this purpose.
This article was published in the Taranaki MidWeek on June 5, 2013