The Regional District of Central Kootenay has now completed an expression of interest process for construction management services for the Nelson and District Community Complex upgrades. Six firms expressed interest and the RDCK has short-listed three firms that most closely meet project requirements, the RDCK announced Thursday.
The three short-listed firms will submit their construction management proposals by late June and the RDCK will select the successful firm in July. The project management team will then work together on a new timeline. The pool will remain open through June and into July.
“All the construction management companies that expressed interest are very qualified and the short-listed firms have the most experience in aquatic centre projects,” said Joe Chirico, community services manager for the regional district. “Whoever we hire, our collective focus is ensuring that the aquatic centre continues to serve the community well for at least the next 30 years.”
The Nelson and District Recreation Commission approved the project team moving from a lump sum tender process to a construction management model at the beginning of May after all project bids in the first tender process came in well over budget. The new approach allows various components of the project to be divided into discrete sub-projects within an approved budget.
The RDCK board approved a $4.92 million budget with borrowing not to exceed $4.5 million for all renovations, which will take about eight months to complete.
“I’m really pleased we’re close to hiring a construction management firm and getting the project underway,” said Ramona Faust, chair of the Nelson and District Recreation Commission. “This new approach means we will ensure we maintain a fence around our existing budget and develop tenders, scope and timelines that meet the parameters of that budget.”
The RDCK project team will meet with the new construction management firm in early July to refine the scope of work, establish firm project schedules and develop detailed construction tenders for each element of the project.
Repairs to the aquatic centre will include new mechanical systems, electrical panels and equipment, a relocated lifeguard station, new sauna, pool decks, tiles and new water proofing membranes.
The RDCK will continue to provide regular project updates.