Geoff Helisma |

Clarence Valley Council has accepted a $6,194,307 tender from Kempsey-based construction company, O’Donnell & Hanlon Pty Ltd, to upgrade the Grafton Regional Gallery.

The NSW Government’s Public Works Advisory conducted the tender process; the project is funded by Create NSW, the government’s arts policy and funding body.

Total funding for the project is $7,621,480.

The report to the October 22 CVC meeting stated that the costs, apart from the contracted amount, are $532,516 for actuals [sic] and commitments, $247,772 for works outside of awarded contract and a 10 per cent contingency ($ 619,430) for variations during construction.

The general manager is authorised to approve any variations that occur.

A balance of $27,455 remains of the total funding amount.

Staff advised councillors, in regard of legal and risk management, that “hazardous materials reports [were] developed and made readily available to tenderers for demolition and alterations work, as part of the project upgrade”.

“Additional project risks identified include the potential need to install a fire booster pump and additional power infrastructure upgrades to support the increased power consumption,” the report to council stated.

Evaluations of the tenders are confidential.