Mackay Whitsunday builder Urban Trend Construction in liquidation

Clients allegedly left with shattered dreams and unfinished homes are pleading for other victims to come forward following a builder boasting dozens of awards across Qld entering into liquidation.

Clients allegedly left with shattered dreams and unfinished homes are pleading for other victims to come forward following a multi-award winning builder entering into liquidation.

SV Partners Mackay director Frank O’Neill has been appointed as the liquidator for Urban Trend Construction, a company registered in 2007 which according to its website has a “proud portfolio” that includes “stunning transformations, breathtaking cliff top homes, to acreage homes”.

Documents shown to the Daily Mercury reveal the company, which was directed by Kenneth and Kathryn Ogilvie of Blacks Beach in Mackay, now owes more than $1.549m but that figure is expected to climb as more creditors come forward and claims are investigated.

The Mackay Whitsundays based company was previously registered for work in the Gold Coast, and boasts dozens of awards for its new builds and renovations over the past 15 years including from the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Queensland.

Creditors now include multiple landowners, the Australian Taxation Office, WorkCover, Aero Glass and Aluminium, Boral, Porters Mitre 10, Volkswagen Financial Services, Pacific Coast Scaffold, numerous trustees, and a former company director.

Kenneth (Ken) Ogilvie (left) and Kathryn Ogilvie (right) were directors of Urban Trend Construction, a company that is now in liquidation. Picture: Urban Trend Construction

Only months before a liquidator was appointed to the business, Ms Ogilvie’s father, Cannonvale-based Charles Preen, was removed as a director after almost eight years in the position.

Via his company Preen Investments, Mr Preen held shares in Urban Trend Construction and is now listed as a creditor seeking $520,000.

“I’d been asking to be removed (as a director) for a while because I was under the understanding they (Mr and Ms Ogilvie) going along okay,” Mr Preen said, adding his claim as creditor arose from trying to get his daughter and son-in-law through a business rough patch.

Urban Trend Construction, a builder now in liquidation, boasted dozens of awards including from Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Queensland. Picture: Urban Trend Construction

Mr Preen said cash flow issues were behind UTC’s downfall with fixed-price contracts, particularly for architectural designed homes like the $4.5m build in Airlie Beach,

detrimental when subject to surging material and labour costs.

“It’s pretty sad actually because they worked hard … Ken is a second generation builder, his father was as well,” he said, revealing the liquidation had strained his relationship with his daughter but family would always trump money.

Charles Preen was a director of Urban Trend Construction, a company that is now in liquidation. Mr Preen is currently a director of Cumberland Charter Yachts in the Whitsundays. Picture: Cumberland Charter Yachts

Mr Preen did not comment on two directions QBCC gave UTC in 2022 to rectify “defective (structural) work or remedy consequential damage” in 2022, only one of which was complied with.

QBCC records further show the company’s licence was suspended on May 16 this year due to “failure to satisfy financial requirements”.

UTC’s former clients and now creditors who spoke with this publication are urging anyone who with an unfinished build or worries about defects to contact SV Partners by the July 16 deadline.

SV’s Mr Neill said they were still investigating whether UTC may have traded while insolvent, and he was liaising with stakeholders including QBCC and Master Builders.

“Depending on the date that I determine that the company became insolvent, the directors including the former director may be liable … I note Charlie (Mr Preen) provided a significant amount of WCAP (working capital) to assist with the company’s daily operations so that will need to be considered,” Mr Neill said.

“Existing contracts (with UTC) have either been terminated or are in the process of being terminated by the QBCC.

“Homeowners are advised to contact QBCC to make a claim through the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme or their relevant insurances.”

But while UTC is no longer licenced with the QBCC, Mr Ogilvie still has active carpentry, joinery and builder – low rise licences, meaning he can work on builds up to $800,000, and it is understood both he and Ms Ogilvie are now working for other Mackay builders.

The Daily Mercury contacted Mr and Ms Ogilvie for comment but neither responded by deadline.

Originally published as Mackay Whitsunday builder Urban Trend Construction in liquidation