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Published on 08 July 2021
After protracted negotiations, Council and Hutchinson’s Builders have decided to part ways on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project.
Neither party has any claims against the other with respect to the project and Council incurred no new costs arising from the decision to terminate the contract.
Hepburn Shire Council intends to complete the project with an alternate contractor following a fresh tender process.
Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt, said that after best efforts to resolve issues around the scope of the building works, Council was unable to come to a mutually satisfactory position.
“We want to get on with delivering this project because we see the benefits for the community from consolidating staff into one building, relocating to a bigger and better library and providing some unique community spaces at The Rex.
"We will start a new tender process for the building works immediately, and in the coming months will present to Council a report to appoint a new builder and get on with the build.”
“I understand that this isn’t the news anyone wanted to hear, but we have the opportunity now to move forward with the project,” said Cr Hewitt.
Council wishes to acknowledge Hutchinson’s as a quality builder and notes that we have been working in a collaborative manner. We appreciate their endeavours to identify and attempt to resolve a number of issues with the building prior to commencement and acknowledge this has taken some considerable time to work through.