Concern around toxic mould switched to concern about structural issues at Rugby Park in Invercargill at an extraordinary meeting of council yesterday.
Kensington Consulting director Darryl Kensington last May reported they would not certify both the concrete bleachers and the supporting steelwork past that current season. At the meeting, debate regarding liability and public safety concern ensued.
Cr Peter Kett did not see why the supporters club rooms could not be used.
"I can not see any problem ... it’s the loading of the bleachers above that could cause any problem with 1500 people up there, but the part in question is only the first 10 rows, and that is not above the supporters club."
Building assets manager Paul Horner said they had to do something or the space underneath the bleachers could not be occupied.
Cr Toni Biddle asked him, "So you’re saying anyone under that building, underneath those bleachers at this present point in time are at risk to the point we shouldn’t be putting anyone in there?"
His answer: "Correct."
Toxic mould was also present under the west end stand.
Cr Nobby Clark said he put forward the motion to undertake immediate remedial work at Rugby Park stadium without the mention of structural work which he said was "a long-term issue".
The work required would be to decontaminate the toxic mould damage, to retest the environment and to complete restoration work that permits using facilities.
Councillors voted six to five to carry the motion.
