19 Wilson Street update

An external engineering report into the former principal office, 19 Wilson Street, Berri, was undertaken in 2022, which identified structural concerns leading to Berri Barmera Council’s office relocation to 5 Riverview Drive.

A second and more in-depth report was completed by a different engineering firm in 2024, following the appointment of Berri Barmera Council CEO Tim Pfeiffer.

Mr Pfeiffer said the second engineering report identified only minor building movement.

“Ensuring the safety of elected members, staff and community members is always of the most critical importance and cannot be compromised,” he said.

“At the recommendation of the second engineer, the building is now undergoing a thorough spot-level survey to accurately capture the current degree of distortion within the existing concrete slab, referencing an external benchmark.

“Surveyors commenced their initial survey in October 2024, with the next survey scheduled for March 2025.

“This survey will determine whether there is movement/distortion within the slabs.”

Berri Barmera Council elected members were presented with the structural investigation and assessment update at last night’s monthly meeting.

“Once the next spot-level survey is complete, Council will be armed with better information that can inform future considerations for the 19 Wilson Street site,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“Progressing the strategic assessment of 19 Wilson Street is an absolute priority.”

Along with the thorough spot-level survey, the second assessment also recommended an underground plumbing assessment, crack repairs and roofing/downpipe repairs.

“Further works will be undertaken once the result of the spot-level survey is known,” Mr Pfeiffer added.