Rodney Stevens

Doubt still remains as to when trades will be back on site at the 50 apartment Uniting development on Yamba Road after work stopped on a number of projects under construction by builder GCB Constructions.

Subcontractors recently downed tools on five residential towers totalling 500 apartments on the Gold Coast including a tower in the $200m Vantage Project at Benowa, the $160m Amaya Broadbeach, Drift Main Beach, the $51m Cote Palm Beach and the $182m Marine Quarter Development in Southport, leaving off-the-plan buyers in limbo.

In response, GCB Constructions boss Trent Clark has said the company is “a long-term, viable business”.

At the start of March, Uniting told the CV Independent it was hoped work would recommence that month and residents were expected to move into the apartments this summer, but since then there have been no trades on site.

Uniting Director Property and Housing Simon Furness said GCB Constructions had been contracted to deliver 84 dwellings and community facilities and Uniting was working with them to deliver the remaining elements of their contract as soon as possible.

“Uniting’s retirement living development in Yamba comprises 34 villas and a block of 50 apartments. GCB has been engaged to deliver all 84 dwellings and community facilities under a single contract,” he said.

“GCB has achieved practical completion of all 34 villas with some final touches currently being put on some of these dwellings.

“Construction work on the 50-apartment building has stalled since October 2022 for a range of reasons and Uniting has been working closely with GCB Constructions across the term of the site construction to support them through these challenging times and ensure the completion of Uniting Yamba.”

One reason for construction stalling was work was completed in advance that wasn’t certified, which has now been passed.

“The Council has issued a Building Information Certificate which effectively approves the works the builder undertook beyond the scope of the construction certificate they had at the time,” Mr Furness said.

Mr Furness said Uniting had paid GCB all progress claims on the development and they hadn’t been advised the construction company was in financial trouble.

“At present GCB Constructions is not on site and we continue to be in regular contact with them to work through contractual obligations as soon as possible so that we can deliver the remaining elements of the contract, this includes 50 apartments and a Clubhouse,” he said.

“Uniting has not been informed that GCB Constructions has gone into administration.

“Uniting has paid all certified progress claims from GCB – we do not have visibility if GCB has subsequently paid subcontractors aside from company assurances.”

But Uniting wouldn’t put a date on when the development will be completed.

“Uniting is committed to finishing the apartments and welcoming residents to their new home as quickly as possible,” Mr Furness said.  

“It is Uniting’s utmost priority to make sure the comfort and wellbeing of its current and future residents continue.

“Uniting is committed to updating and supporting all residents during this time.” 

The CV Independent contacted GCB Constructions and did not receive a response by deadline.