The Administrator of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has today made an announcement to delay the official opening of the Glasshouse, Arts Conference and Entertainment Centre. Council Administrator, Dick Persson says it is a decision that has not been made lightly.

“Like any major building project, Council had allowed a long contingency plan, but unfortunately the persistent rain and a number of technical factors have eroded the original 12 weeks of contingency.

“It is now impractical to try and open the building by the scheduled date of September this year as the building and fitout works will not be completed to a performance standard,” said Mr Persson.

At the start of this month, Council announced it was reviewing the construction timeline for the Glasshouse with the construction company.

Following several meetings over the past couple of weeks, the Council project management team was presented with a revised timeline. As a result, it was felt there was little option other than to reschedule the opening of the Glasshouse until the end of January 2009.

“This is an extremely complex construction and the weather has played a big role. A number of technical challenges, such as specialist elements being available from only one supplier in the country, have also impacted on the timeline.

“This is not a desirable position to be in but it is too risky to assume the construction can be fully completed in the original timeframe. We have made the difficult decision to delay the opening altogether, in order to preserve the excellence of the facility, rather compromise building standards or focus construction solely on finishing the theatre.

General Manager, Bernard Smith confirmed that Glasshouse staff are currently in discussion with the arts companies, which have been booked to perform in the 2008 Spring Season.

“Options are being considered regarding alternative performances, dates and venues. All subscribers and ticket holders are being contacted individually regarding their tickets, potential credits or refunds and revised dates and venues,” said Mr Smith.