Centennial Building decision 'long overdue': Auditor General

Auditor General Kim MacPherson said a government decision on whether to demolish or refurbish its Centennial Building office in Fredericton "is long overdue."

In her 2015 report released Tuesday, MacPherson said government dithering and short-term planning about the building's future have cost taxpayers millions.

"Nearly half a century old and well over its useful life, the future of the Centennial Building continues to be undecided," said MacPherson. "Instead of following a long-term plan, the government focused on short-term decisions."

A decision on whether to refurbish or demolish is long overdue.- Kim MacPherson, auditor general

The Centennial Building opened in 1967 and centralized a number of government departments in close proximity to the Legislature.

MacPherson said the building is deteriorating and not up to current building codes. No work can begin on updating the building unless it is completely vacant as asbestos would have to be removed from the building.

The estimated cost of refurbishing the building is $60 million.

In 2015, the building was operating at 32 per cent occupancy.

"Operating a large office building which is only one-third occupied is inefficient," said MacPherson. "Nine years of government indecision has cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

"In my opinion, a decision on whether to refurbish or demolish is long overdue."

MacPherson's recommendations to the Department of Infrastructure include:

• Provide government with an updated cost analysis of potential options for the building, including the "do nothing" option.
• Implement a moratorium on modification and new occupants until a decision is made on the building's future.
• Start immediately to implement the government's chosen option for the building.