Larissa Reserve pavilion works blow out by $260k

Asbestos removal has contributed to the cost blow out. Picture: iStock)

The removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials, and the tweaking of its design, has increased project costs for a pavilion refurbishment and extension at Larissa Reserve by more than $250,000.

Brimbank council said the design was changed to include change rooms for women.

An audit during the pre-design phase revealed minor asbestos and hazardous materials in the building.

“The audit undertaken at Larissa Reserve identified minor asbestos and hazardous materials in cement sheet, insulation, light fittings and paint which is not unusual in a building of this age,” council’s acting community wellbeing director, Kath Brackett, said.

“The design of the pavilion was altered to ensure that change room facilities can cater for both male and female participants.”

Asbestos removal and the change room adaptations added $267,508 to the project, bringing the overall cost to $1.08 million.

The project includes refurbishing an existing change room block which was found to be in a state of disrepair and construction of a new social room.