The developed design phase of the beleaguered Rotorua Museum was continuing to be worked through, Rotorua Lakes Council learned this week.

At last week's full council meeting, executive officer Henry Weston confirmed costs to reinforce the museum's infrastructure was between $45 million and $50m.

Wednesday's operations and monitoring committee was told of a model resolving design conflicts between structural, architecture and mechanical services.

'This phase is tracking well and due for completion by June,” chief executive Geoff Williams said in his report to councillors.

'A buildability consultant is being contracted to review and mitigate any potential construction challenges.

'Work to remove the asbestos is planned for July. The mayor [Steve Chadwick] is leading positive, ongoing funding discussions at a senior level with Central Government officials.”

Funding outcomes from the Lotteries Significant Project Fund and Ministry of Culture and Heritage Regional Development Fund are due this month.

Meanwhile, architects DPA and Carling continued to work through the revised scheme of the preliminary design phase, with completion scheduled for the end of next May.

Further invasive testing of the building is underway to reduce the risk of any unknown building conditions.

The original sarking has now been exposed by removing most of the suspended ceiling.

The accompanying photograph shows the quality of the tongue and groove sarking which will 'provide a great ambience” in the upgraded building, Williams says.

Quality tongue in groove reinforcing inside SHMPAC .