| At a special meeting of Community and Customer Services today (26 May), Councillors were given an update on DG One and agreed that the contract for the remedial works to DG One be awarded. The contractor will be named in two weeks’ time once the contract award process has been concluded. They also agreed some amendments to the building so that it brings together a range of professional services to help keep people fit and active.
Work could not start on the building until the Council had settled with Kier Construction Ltd (Kier). Following the successful conclusion of mediation discussions between the Council and Kier, a settlement has been agreed by both parties. The terms of the agreement are confidential and cannot be disclosed but the agreement allows the matter to be successfully resolved and means that a contractor can now be appointed.
The remedial works have provided an opportunity to look at the original building and make some amendments to the current design. The team have identified parts of the facility that could be improved based on a detailed analysis of usage and needs assessment. The Council is committed to providing the best services possible at the facility. As such, the Council have been working with the NHS to look at how the facility to could be improved to provide a wider range of services to those who need it. Current discussions are investigating the possibility of a rehabilitation or physiotherapy facility. NHS Officers who have a health remit are also going to be based within the building who will work with the Council to provide a better service to local individuals and communities. The team working on the project have also identified amendments to the actual building that will improve the way it operates.
Leader of the Council, Ronnie Nicholson, said “This has been a frustrating time, particularly for the users of DG One, and the confidential nature of the legal process has also meant we have not been able to comment as often as we would have liked. However, that sensible approach has delivered this settlement and the agreement is a massive step forward.”
“Although this was a problem I inherited when I became Council leader, I am determined to ensure that local people will have a DG One we can be proud of.”
Nigel Brook, Kier executive director for construction and infrastructure services, commented: “Following the conclusion of what was a professional and successful mediation process between Dumfries and Galloway Council and Kier concerning DG One, we are pleased that a settlement has been reached between both parties to fund remedial works. As a result of concluding the mediation Kier will have no further involvement in DG One, and having reached an agreed settlement, the Council is now able to progress with the work.”
In the meantime, temporary facilities at the Loreburn Hall and swimming pool at Dumfries Ice Bowl will continue to be provided until DG One re-opens. Both these facilities have been successful, with a growing number of users taking part in swimming lessons, gym classes and sports coaching sessions. |
