The first stage of major restoration works on Canberra’s historic John Gorton Building are due to be completed by June next year, new documents show.
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Tender specifications released for the urgent works show the Finance Department's headquarters will have all asbestos materials removed from its crumbling sandstone facade and joint works, but funding is currently only allocated for the north-west section of the building.
Last week, The Canberra Times reported the department would wrap the building in protective fencing and hoarding as sandstone pieces posed a potentially ''catastrophic'' risk to staffers and the public.
The safety measures are expected to remain in place for up to four years as an estimated 4 per cent of the 24,000 panels are replaced and 10 per cent are repaired.
A technical specification report prepared by Environmental Resources Management Australia says stage one works are due to be completed by June 6, 2014.
The tender documents and contracts give detailed instruction for repair and replacement of sandstone, jointings and lead work, while prescribing required safety procedures.
‘‘Large sections of the facade will be completely scaffolded as the repair and conservation works are undertaken,’’ the report says.
‘‘Information regarding the staging of the works will be provided to building occupants and neighbours to inform them of the works.’’
Wondabyne sandstone for the project will be sourced from Gosford Quarries in Annandale, New South Wales.
The total cost of the complete restoration to the heritage listing site are not included in the documents, which form part of the competitive procurement process to engage a contractor.
Full works will not begin until government funds are allocated to the project.
Fencing and a planned six-metre exclusion zone around the building's footprint are expected to be constructed by the end of next month.
‘‘The fencing and hoarding will need to be in place until repairs to all sides of the building have been completed and the safety risk is eliminated,’’ the report says.
‘‘The fencing and hoarding will be progressively removed as facades are completed.’’
Originally known as the Administrative Building, it was constructed between 1927 and 1956.
In what could be an ominous sign for the upcoming works, the building's cost was originally estimated at £842,000.
But the figure blew out dramatically over years of construction, and a final sum was deemed impossible to obtain.
Last week, Australian Heritage Council chair Professor Carmen Lawrence said the council would seek answers about who took their ''eye off the ball'' in the building’s management.
Comcare, the federal agency responsible for workplace safety, confirmed it sent inspectors to assess the building on October 10.
