By Jeremy Cook
Southern Downs Regional Council has appointed Brisbane builders ICM Constructions to complete work on the Stanthorpe Art Gallery and Library more than two weeks after the previous contractor collapsed into voluntary administration.
A landmark project for Stanthorpe, the site has sat idle since early-February when contractor and major construction firm St Hilliers called in voluntary administrators to take charge of the group’s construction assets.
The council said they did not hear back from St Hilliers after a show cause notice was issued for substantial breaches of contract.
Chief executive Dave Burges said the project was on track again after the appointment of new contractors at a council meetin on 21 February.
“While navigating the contractual matters, Council has also been working on solutions in the background to minimise downtime and we are still well positioned to deliver the project close to the forecast completion date,” Mr Burges said.
“The new contractor will have some heavy lifting to do offsite in the first few weeks, investigating the works, checking compliance, and most importantly, assembling the required subcontractors to finish the project,” he said.
“Council looks forward to working with the new contractor to resolve outstanding issues and delivering this exciting project that will reflect the thriving nature of Stanthorpe’s vibrant arts and culture scene.”
A council spokeswoman said they were unable to comment specifically on concerns about money owed to previous subcontractors until the project’s financial position was truly understood.
At least one subcontractor has told Warwick Stanthorpe Today they are owed a “substantial amount” for work already completed on the project.
“Council appreciates that the community has concerns about the future of the project,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council is not in a position to address all questions without having the time to methodically work through previous records to ascertain the true financial position of the project which, when completed, will inform its next steps.
“The community can be assured that every effort is being made to complete the project in the most timely and cost effective manner possible.”
