Rodney Stevens

The new builder of the Uniting Yamba 50 apartment development on Yamba Road is finalising quality checks on completed work so construction can recommence on the site, with no truth to rumours the project must be levelled and rebuilt from the ground up.

The tender for the project was originally awarded to Gold Coast based GCB Constructions, but after local tradespeople told the CV Independent, they were collectively owed more than $1 million, GCB Constructions was placed into voluntary administration in July 2023, then went into liquidation in November.

Following a competitive tender process, Uniting NSW ACT awarded a new contract to Sydney based builder Stephen Edwards Constructions in December 2023.  

A Uniting NSW ACT spokesperson said Stephen Edwards Constructions have been working on the site so construction can recommence.

“Since the appointment of our new builders, Stephen Edwards Constructions, we’ve been working closely with them to get construction works underway.

“The site is currently being cleared and SEC is undertaking quality checks on the work that was completed by the previous builder.

“They’re also completing all the detailed documentation that’s needed to obtain the next Construction Certificate, so work on the site can recommence.”

The spokesperson said there was no truth to rumours that the structure needs to be demolished.

“The basic building structure is sound and does not need to be demolished,” the spokesperson said. 

“Given the project delays, some items will be replaced as work was left incomplete, unprotected or weather damaged, and we want to ensure the finished apartments are of the highest quality.”

“The main construction work on the apartments will recommence later this month,” the spokesperson said.

“We anticipate that the apartments will be completed in Spring 2025, pending favourable weather.

“We’ll keep the community updated on the project timeframes over the coming months.”