After finding bonded fragments of asbestos during excavation works, Kiama Council has had to amend its plans for extra car parks at Kiama Leisure Centre.

The excavated area, near the skate park, will be capped in accordance with EPA standards which will leave a mound not suitable for car parks.

This means the planned 73 extra car parks, will be reduced by 15 spaces.

The expansion of the car park is being funded by NSW Health Infrastructure, as part of the arrangement for the building of a new ambulance station next to the netball courts.

Concrete, rather than bitumen, will now be used to construct the remaining car parks to minimise the earthwork excavations needed. This will reduce the possibility of unearthing more of the material, which is thought to be old pipe.

The path to the adjacent skate park will also be re-laid as concrete.

In the interim, full measures are in place to ensure the safety of workers and users of the Leisure Centre and surrounding sporting facilities.

The construction of the extra car parks is still expected to be complete before the netball season starts.