Amid public criticism of the $5.3 million price tag to rebuild the Richmond Lawn Bowling clubhouse, the city said they believe it’s a “prudent” cost estimate.
A City of Richmond spokesperson said the cost estimate was done by a “local professional quantity surveyor with significant local experience.”
The company was Ross Templeton and Associates.
The cost of the lawn-bowling club rebuild includes more than just the hard, physical construction costs, he added.
It includes, for example, design, permits and project management, demolition, a 20-to-30-per-cent contingency as well as cost escalation.
Other costs for the Minoru Park facility are the upsizing of utilities like hydro, water and sewers, items like furniture, equipment and fixtures as well as a two-to-three per cent contingency for any non-warranty deficiencies.
There is also a “market conditions factor” included in the cost estimate in the case that construction activity changes.
“We are confident that (the costs) are prudent and appropriate for the plan scope,” the spokesperson explained in an email.
It was also pointed out that, when considering the cost of the lawn-bowling facility, it’s important to take into consideration that its anticipated lifespan is several decades into the future.
The lawn bowling club rebuild has been on council’s radar for the better part of two decades, and was identified as a top priority for the Richmond Sport Council’s strategic plan and as one of council’s top priorities in 2016.
Some councillors publicly defended their position to rebuild the clubhouse.
Others argued to build a taller building to allow other non-profits use of the space.
