Luxury Melbourne builder Dome Building goes into liquidation

A South Melbourne-based company with a track record of building extravagant homes has been forced into liquidation after suffering serious financial losses.

Dome construction has gone into liquidation. Picture: Supplied

A luxury Melbourne building company has gone bust after it failed to negotiate manageable payment terms with a former director and shareholder.

Dome Building – a South Melbourne based company with a track record of building extravagant modern homes – has been forced into liquidation, suffering significant financial loss as a result of having to make annual payments to a former director and shareholder.

The company’s directors Andrew Crellin and Jeremy Brockman sent a letter out to customers on Friday informing them of the “heartbreaking” situation.

Jamie Brockman, director at Dome, has announced the company has been forced into liquidation

Andrew Crellin, founder of Dome, has announced the company has been forced into liquidation

“You may or may not be aware of a situation last year with a former director and shareholder leaving the Dome business,” the letter said.

“As a result, Dome has annual payment obligations to this former director.

“Due to the extraordinary financial hardship builders have endured over the last 12 months we have been unable to meet our annual obligation to the former director in full for this year.

“We have been attempting to negotiate revised payment terms that would still allow full payment to him in a manner that would also allow the Dome business to survive.

“However the revised payment terms have not been accepted and ultimately negotiations have failed.

“Unfortunately the failure of these negotiations has had a detrimental impact on our business. Our business has now been forced into liquidation due to our inability to meet our obligations and the refusal to accommodate payment terms the business can manage.”

PFK Melbourne has been appointed as liquidator of the business.

All trading and work at Dome – which has an extensive collection and cabinet of awards – has ceased.

The Brighton House was built by the company

One of the homes the company Dome built before going into liquidation

The company’s social media shows it expanded into the popular NSW coastal town of Byron Bay just over a month ago.

“With a legacy of two decades building homes across Victoria, we’re proud to announce we have gone national.”

“Our new office in Byron Bay, staffed by a dedicated and experienced team, marks an exciting chapter in our journey. We look forward to expanding our portfolio of Architects, Contractors and Suppliers.”

Dome was also engaged to work on the Stonington Mansion restoration.

The Italian Renaissance-style mansion was built in 1890 for John Wagner, a partner in Cobb and Co coaches.

It was acquired by the Victorian Government in 1901 and was maintained as the Governor’s residence until 1931.

“The team at Dome is honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the restoration of this timeless estate,” the company posted to its LinkedIn.

“We understand the significance of this project and the trust placed in us to breathe new life into this renowned landmark.”

Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents show former director and shareholder Scott Wilcox left Dome in August last year.

The Herald Sun contacted Mr Wilcox but he was unavailable.

Mr Wilcox established a separate luxury building company – W – last year.

In February this year, Dome restructured its business to issue more than 400,000 shares in the company at $1 each to Crellin Pty Ltd – associated with a family member of director Andrew Crellin.

Dome was required to provide annual payments to Mr Wilcox but the details of the deal are unclear.

Dome also ventured into bespoke furniture and complex joinery by creating its own workshop where apprentices and junior tradespeople were trained in traditional craftsmanship.

“The Dome workshop is the ideal environment to train apprentices and younger team members under the watchful eye of our senior people.”

“This is where technical knowledge meets hands-on experience and an absolute focus on detail.”

One of the pieces of furniture highlighted on Dome’s website is a dining table made specifically for a house in Toorak.

“The Oval table top was made of solid Victorian Mountain Ash with a black Japan stain and a matt 2-pac top coat.”

It’s unclear what impact Dome appointing liquidators will have on the restoration project.