An upgrade of the Civic Centre could be completed by the end of this year and Andrew Whiley is one councillor who sought answers, particularly about a revamp of the second floor.
"We should know the layout of the floor plan, we should know what the design's going to look like and how the costs are broken down," Cr Whiley said.
"You know, what is the fit-out cost? How does that compare to what the other floors were?"
The second floor is the last one to have renovations and it includes space for senior staff and the mayor’s office.
Cr Whiley raised doubts about whether all the spending was necessary.
"I believe the costs are higher than they should be," he said.
The council said in June last year the project had a budget of $20m.
It increased after asbestos was found in window cavities and in 2022 the breakdown was about $9.6m for weathertightness, $3.8m for an internal refresh, almost $1m for LED lighting, $2.6m for fire protection and accessibility upgrades and a $3m contingency.
Cr Sophie Barker noted the project had been said to be worth $4.4m as recently as 2021.
She lamented the council’s communication about the project and what she described as blowouts, as well as a void of information relating to the second floor.
"I’m extremely unhappy and angry at not being shown the plans for the second floor where the mayor, CEO and executive leadership team are based," she said.
Cr Barker wished councillors had been given options for budgets.
"I would have chosen a very tight and modest refurbishment, as I am against council spending excess money on itself," she said.
"People, especially councillors, need transparency on this project."
Council staff responded to media queries late yesterday.
Property services group manager Anna Nilsen said the project was progressing well and some floors had been reconfigured during the upgrade.
The second floor would be fitted out "to a level that matches its function in welcoming international and national dignitaries to our city", she said.
"The project has included a reconfiguration of the floor facilities and layout, and a design that reflects the character of Ōtepoti Dunedin.
"We’re unable to share any design concepts or layout plans at this stage, as some details are still being finalised."
Ms Nilsen said the Civic Centre was built in 1980 and, though there had been minor upgrades, it was largely unchanged.
"Work has focused on essential replacements and upgrades, including replacing the windows and roof membrane, a new fire protection system, repairs to the structure and building facade, replacing ageing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, improving accessibility, and removing asbestos."
Renovations had been carried out floor by floor to minimise disruption to staff.
"Councillors have been informed of the project’s progress through workshops, reports and meetings."
It is the second time inside a week councillors have spoken out regarding information about major projects.
Cr Lee Vandervis said he had received little written information about a planned $14m Municipal Chambers restoration.
Cr Mandy Mayhem said she had heard the mayor’s office was moving.
It is understood the mayor’s office will no longer have a view over the Octagon.
"If I was the mayor, I would not have let the office be swapped like that," Cr Mayhem said.
Some work did not seem to be essential, "especially with the Municipal Chambers next door requiring a huge spend".
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the footprint of the Civic Centre second floor was being reconfigured for which there was "a good architectural rationale" and the other floors were now more pleasant places to work.
