Delays hit Brisbane’s $3bn Queen’s Wharf project

The opening of the $3bn Queen’s Wharf project will be delayed by months as Covid-19 shutdowns across the country play havoc with the construction sector.

The opening of the $3bn Queen’s Wharf project will be delayed by months as Covid-19 shutdowns across the country play havoc with the construction sector.

Star Entertainment, which is developing the integrated resort in Brisbane’s CBD, has confirmed the opening date would be pushed back from late next year to the first half of 2023 after the builder “showed some areas of delay in their program.”

A Star spokesperson said the builders, being led by construction giant Multiplex, was revising their program of work and it remained under close review.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to open as soon as possible and that’s what we’re working towards,” the spokesperson said. “This is a transformational development for Brisbane and Queensland and it will be spectacular.”

Star flagged last week that Queen’s Wharf Brisbane was now anticipated to open progressively in the first half of 2023 from the previously anticipated late 2022.

Star said it did not know the reasons for the delay but it comes amongst rising concern from developers and builders that the global Covid-19 pandemic was delaying the completion of projects. Multiplex declined to comment.

Cranes on the Queen's Wharf construction site in Brisbane. The project faces delays.

The Palaszczuk Government said it had been informed by the Destination Brisbane Consortium and The Star that Queen’s Wharf Stage 2 opening will now be in the first half of 2023 instead of the targeted December 2022.

“The contractual completion date of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane remains in August 2023 and the Consortium has assured us it will still be completed by this date,” a government spokesperson said. “Currently an average of over 800 workers are on site daily. This will peak at some 2000 workers in 2021-22.”

Leading property group Mirvac and richlister developer Kevin Seymour have both warned of shortages of material supplies.

A Mirvac spokesperson said the ASX-listed company’s flagship Brisbane project, the 35-level Heritage Lanes office tower at 80 Ann St in the CBD has not been delayed and was still on track for completion in the first half of next year.

However, the company - which has a long list of projects around the country - has noticed shortages of material supplies.

“We‘re seeing some materials shortages including concrete and reinforcing steel due to offshore supply restraints and infrastructure projects requiring large quantities,” she said.

“Timber is also in shortage due to demand from the US housing boom. These issues have not materially impacted Mirvac projects due to our project contingency and program allowances.”

She said they have not been materially impacted by the two-week construction delay due to the NSW Covid lockdown. “But Mirvac is strongly encouraging all employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination,” she said.

Mosaic Property Group founder and managing director Brook Monahan the company currently has 380 apartments under construction across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast but at this stage there were no delays because of material shortages.

“We have worked hard to establish strong supply chain relationships to mitigate such risks,” he said. “That’s not to say we’re immune.”

Queen's Wharf development\ with Riverside Expressway in the foreground

Mr Monahan said they have been monitoring the Covid-19 outbreak in NSW and its impact on the construction industry, especially the availability of trades people during lockdown.

“We’ve seen the impact this is having on the industry,” he said.

“While there is always the risk that we could experience some level of impact, having our own construction arm has enabled us to control the process and manage risk much more effectively and efficiently.

“We have a solid network of tradespeople employed across southeast Queensland.”

Mr Monahan said Mosaic will not make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for their workforce.

“However, we strongly encourage staff and site workers to be vaccinated,” he said.

Originally published as Delays hit Brisbane’s $3bn Queen’s Wharf project