The three buildings that make up the well-used facility by Otago Harbour in South Dunedin have also gradually been sinking.
A reactive approach to dealing with leaks is to continue for now and some work to improve ventilation is planned.
Longer term, a strategic plan for sports facilities in Dunedin is to be undertaken and major calls about funding are expected to follow.
An update about the Edgar Centre is on the agenda for today’s Dunedin City Council meeting.
Leaks and condensation created risks for facility users because the water could pool on the courts and cause players to slip, a report for the meeting said.
Condensation was particularly evident during winter months.
The facility also "relies heavily on natural ventilation".
The council-owned complex was described as "dynamic", as the centre was on shifting and sinking ground.
Resulting problems included some doors not shutting, and movable seating in the More FM Arena was "best moved at certain times of the day".
Roofing materials were more than 20 years old.
The building was identified as earthquake-prone in 2016 and strengthening upgrades were completed in 2020.
Urgent roof repairs were carried out early last year above the "A grade" courts in the Woolstore building.
However, this sealed up natural ventilation holes, increasing condensation.
Resolving problems by replacing the roof and installing mechanical ventilation has been estimated to cost between $16 million and $18m.
As things stand, there is no money in council budgets for this work.
The council report described the Edgar Centre as a key sports facility in the city, but "further planning work needs to be undertaken by staff to understand the needs and configuration for multi-sports facilities ... before funding decisions can be made".
Sport Otago has been commissioned by Sport New Zealand to do a regional facilities plan, expected to be completed late next year.
In the meantime, it is expected council staff will continue to carry out maintenance from within existing budgets, as well as working on a long-term plan for the Edgar Centre.
