Groupline Constructions no longer builder of Ention Properties’ Chevron Island Greenwich project

Construction of a luxury Gold Coast tower has stopped, its builder has left the job and police have been called amid claims of missing equipment, unpaid money and building blunders that cut power to an entire neighbourhood.

Construction of a luxury Gold Coast tower has stopped, its builder has left the job and police have been called amid claims of missing equipment, unpaid money and building blunders that cut power to an entire neighbourhood.

Groupline Constructions was building Brisbane developer Ention Properties’ Greenwich development, near the western entrance to Chevron Island, but work stopped abruptly on April 30.

Custom-made concrete moulds, crucial to form the building’s distinctive curved facades, were packed up removed from the site by Groupline, meaning work cannot continue until they’re replaced.

The builder and developer, which has filed a police report, both claim they own the moulds.

The completion date, originally scheduled for July this year, has been pushed out to early 2025 in the wake of the feud as construction of the 44-apartment building has stalled at level 10.

Both parties claim it was their decision to terminate the contract because the other side breached it.

Artist impression of Greenwich by developer Ention Properties.

The Greenwich development by Ention, which was being built by Groupline Constructions. Picture: Kathleen Skene

Groupline is suing Ention in the Brisbane Supreme Court, claiming it is owed more than $5m in unpaid variations. Ention is yet to file a defence in the case

Ention director Dion Smith said the developer terminated Groupline’s contract because of “unacceptable delays and delivery of service”.

“The decision to terminate the builder was not taken lightly, but it was determined it was for the best interests of the project and the buyers,” Mr Smith said.

“We empathise with the buyer’s position and have spoken with them to convey our concerns over the progress onsite and the reasons for the termination of the builder.”

Mr Smith said Ention had met all its financial obligations and was “owed a significant amount as a result of Groupline’s substantial breach of the contract”.

Dion Smith, director of Ention Properties.

Scott Widdicombe of Groupline.

But Groupline director Scott Widdicombe said Ention had breached the contract by not terminating it properly.

“ (Ention) also locked Groupline out of the site without providing any notice or the opportunity to recover its tools and the personal items of its workers,” he said.

“Groupline elected to accept that repudiation and has terminated the contract itself.”

Mr Smith said his company was “making arrangements with Groupline for the orderly and safe removal of Groupline’s tools, equipment and personal items from site”.

Construction of Greenwich has been blamed for two incidents where cranes hit powerlines, causing blackouts across neighbouring streets.

Mr Widdicombe said the blackouts were “workplace incidents”.

“They were investigated by Workplace Health and Safety and closed out with no action being taken against Groupline,” he said.

The Gold Coast Bulletin has contacted Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for comment.

Powerlines near the Greenwich development by Ention, which was being built by Groupline Constructions. Picture: Kathleen Skene

Mr Smith said Ention was “moving quickly to complete the project with a new builder”.

“Unfortunately, construction will be delayed until customised moulds, only useful for this

specific building, are recovered and returned to site,” he said.

Mr Smith said the project was 80 per cent sold.

Mr Widdicombe said Groupline had paid “all subcontractors that are entitled to payment” and was “committed to meeting all future payments to subcontractors”.

He said Groupline paid for the concrete moulds and was therefore their owner.

“The moulds are its equipment and no different to a forklift or saw,” he said.

“(Ention) has not paid for these items.”

The moulds are vital for the building’s distinctive curves.

Groupline’s other current projects include Glasshouse at Burleigh Heads, Laani at Mermaid Beach and Eighteen Park in East Brisbane.

It is also contracted to complete the first tower of Southport’s Marine Quarter project, taking over from collapsed builder GCB Constructions.

Mr Widdicombe said his company was “in a robust financial position and well on track to complete all other projects on time and within budget”.