Background

In December 2022, an external engineering report in Berri Barmera Council's principal office at 19 Wilson Street identified structural concerns within the building.

Council then relocated to 5 Riverview Drive to allow for further investigations. A second and more in-depth report was completed by a different engineering firm in 2024.

However, following receipt of two previous engineering reports for 19 Wilson Street, administration identified inconsistencies and conflicting findings, which did not provide satisfactory assurance regarding the structural integrity of the building. Given the need to ensure the safety of staff and community members prior to any re-entry, a decision was made to commission a third and final independent engineering assessment. A detailed scope of work was developed and released for tender, with five engineering firms submitting proposals.

An engineering company was appointed, following a thorough evaluation process and a scoping meeting to confirm expectations.

In October's ordinary meeting, council was presented with an extensive engineering report, which highlighted localised cracking in multiple rooms and the southern façade associated with historical overloading and minor footing movement.

It also found drainage and sewer leakage issues contributing to isolated soil settlement.

Council agreed to proceed with scoping and costing the required remediation and refurbishment works, including plumbing, structural, roof, services and fit-out requirements, with the intent of enabling reoccupation of the civic centre as soon as practicable.

An informal gathering was held on 18 November where administration provided an update to elected members on the status of the project and sought their opinions as to proposed floor plans to enable administration to complete scope of works for tender.

A draft engineering report has now been provided by MLEI Consulting Engineers. While some minor amendments are being finalised, the changes are not expected to materially alter the findings. The report confirms that the Civic Centre remains serviceable.

With respect to the Town Hall, further structural analysis is still required to establish a clear baseline and to identify the scope of any remedial works. This has not yet been completed due to challenges in gaining access to the roof space, and investigations are being planned in a way that protects the ornate and historically significant ceiling.

Subject to those investigations, it is anticipated that the ongoing life of this important community asset may be managed through a program of regular engineering inspections (for example, every five years) together with ongoing maintenance.

Costing of required works, including remediation and the fit-out needed to return administration staff to the building (such as removal of non-load bearing walls and installation of new carpets), is currently being developed.

A final, comprehensive report will be presented to Council in October, incorporating the engineering findings, detailed costings, and proposed timelines for consideration.

Engineering investigations are currently underway, with MLEI Consulting Engineers having recently visited the site. Due to limited availability of accurate structural drawings, additional non-destructive testing has been authorised to confirm the building’s structural make-up and overall integrity.

While the investigations were initially expected to take 8 to 10 weeks, these additional tests are likely to extend the timeframe by around 2 to 3 weeks. Core drilling and soil sampling have been completed, with laboratory testing now in progress.

Plumbing pressure tests have also been undertaken and identified significant issues, including cracked pipes leaking about 500 litres per hour. While these are important matters to address, early costings indicate that repairs can be achieved in a cost-effective manner. The General Manager Infrastructure, Environment and Regulatory Services is working closely with the engineer and project manager to manage timeframes, noting that lease negotiations for 5 Riverview Drive will progress in parallel.

Although the final engineering report may not be available until after October, preliminary findings and verbal updates are expected earlier and will be brought to Council as part of the next update.