TAMWORTH'S space centre will see a delay in lift off following the council's decision to reject all tenders for the build.
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The council was set to award a tender for the $1.8 million design and build at its last meeting, but the councillors ended-up knocking back all-comers.
Minutes from the closed meeting said each of the submissions had blown the budget and the council would undertake the design of the project itself.
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Tamworth Regional Council originally aimed to have the astronomy centre up and running by February 2020, but this recent decision will push its finish back until at least July next year.
The council also resolved to build the centre "with an alternative procurement methodology".
Deputy mayor and Tamworth Astronomy Club member Phil Betts said the decision for council to take on the design would result in some minor changes, but he said they would be "for the better".
Costs associated with risk and project management are believed to have blown out the costs.
However, this will be mitigated with the council taking the reins.
The council will consult with the stargazing club on the design of the facility going forward.
Cr Betts said the facility would be a great service to the city once its delivered.
"The benefits are massive," he said.
"It's a recreation and education facility for students and the broader community and it will put into reality how maths and science are used in our everyday lives and right through our vast universe."
The deputy mayor did not vote on the tender decision at the meeting.
He declared a less than significant non-pecuniary interest dues to his membership of the astronomy club.
The council has earlier set aside $1.4 million in this year's budget for the astronomy and science centre.
The project also received a $1.8 million grant from the state government.
A revised plan is expected to bring the project back within the available budget while delivering a fit for purpose facility as per the project scope.
The council will provide an update on a new plan once it is finalised.
An updated timeline has the construction of the centre pushed back to November this year.