WORK on Bathurst Tennis Centre’s new $800,000 clubhouse has come to a halt after workers uncovered asbestos at the site.
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Preparatory groundwork has been continuing at the site on Durham Street since the start of September but was suspended when the suspect material was found.
Bathurst Regional Council engineering services director Darren Sturgiss said samples were sent for tests which confirmed the material contained asbestos.
“Following advice of the discovery of suspected asbestos containing material on site, the responsible council officer ordered that works cease until testing was complete to confirm presence of asbestos,” Mr Sturgiss said.
“Testing has now confirmed that small fragments of non-friable asbestos is present on-site.
“This was not expected at the time of commencement of this project, however, all necessary precautions, in accordance with WHS requirements, have been undertaken at each stage of the project to date.”
Mr Sturgiss said it was not yet known when would resume at the site, nor what the asbestos removal might cost council.
“Council is currently seeking prices from qualified removal contractors to clear the site,” Mr Sturgiss said.
“Until this is finalised, definite time frames and costs for these works cannot be determined.”
The new two-storey clubhouse will feature amenities areas on the lower ground floor and a clubroom, committee room and commercial kitchen on the ground floor.
The project has been funded by council ($500,000), the state government ($200,000) and the Carillon City Tennis Club ($100,000).
