Rodney Stevens
In an early Christmas present for people waiting to move into Uniting’s multi-storey 50 apartment Yamba Road complex, Sydney based builder Stephen Edwards Constructions has been awarded the tender to finish the project.
Construction on the project came to a halt in November 2022, when Uniting became aware that work on the project had been conducted without appropriate certification, and builder GCB Constructions was asked to stop work, then in July 2023, the embattled Gold Coast based firm was placed into administration.
At the time, local tradespeople contracted by GCB Constructions to work on the apartments were owed more than $1 million.
GCB Constructions was placed into administration on July 24, and it was reported the company owed $47 million to contractors, suppliers, lenders, and staff.
When administrators David Stimpson and Adam Kersey of SV Partners held a meeting with creditors on the Gold Coast in August, they were advised they were waiting on the outcome of two legal cases totalling $17 million before they will see any return on debts.
In September 2023, Uniting called for tenders to complete the project and following a competitive tender process, Uniting Director of Property and Housing, Simon Furness, was pleased to announce the tender has been awarded to Stephen Edwards Constructions.
“Following a temporary pause in construction while Uniting sought a new construction partner (due to the collapse of GCB Constructions), Stephen Edwards Constructions will commence site preparation work in January 2024,” Mr Furness said.
“Uniting has a strong working relationship with Stephen Edwards Constructions having worked with them on several other Uniting projects.”
Stephen Edwards Constructions has approached local tradespeople who were working on the project before the former builder was placed into administration.
Some local tradespeople who previously worked on the apartments told the CV Independent they have submitted quotes to Stephen Edwards Constructions and were waiting to see if they are awarded contracts to continue their work.
Making the most of Yamba’s idyllic coastal lifestyle, the resort style community will include a clubhouse, a library, BBQ area, all set in landscaped tropical gardens, and the range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments will compliment 34 recently completed villas.
Mr Furness thanked the community for their patience and said it will take 18 months to complete the apartments.
“Progress hasn’t been as fast as we’d have liked on this project and like the community, we were disappointed with the delay, however we’re glad to now have Stephen Edwards Construction onboard to continue momentum,” he said.
“We’re critically aware of the need for quality retirement living options in the area and we look forward to ensuring Uniting Yamba is complete so residents can move into their homes in 2025.”
Mathew Edwards of Stephen Edwards Construction said the company was delighted to have been appointed to deliver the remainder of the Yamba apartments and they were looking forward to working with Uniting.
“Our team is actively working on the project and is preparing for the commencement of works on-site, early in the new year,” he said.