Building the new with the old

Local tradies have recommenced work on the Ocean Pde high rise left dormant for a year after the collapse of the original developers.

TREVOR VEALE

SOME of the local contractors left high and dry in the collapse of the developers behind the $13 million Beaches high rise complex finally have something to smile about; the new owners of the building have employed them to complete the work.

Sydney-based property developers Globuild purchased the complex in January, 12 months after the project stalled when the financial woes of original developers Simcorp and the Hills Family Trust came to a head.

Now known as Platinum Coffs Harbour, the apartments are on the market and work has recommenced with an almost entirely local team of tradespeople.

"It was important for us to get the original subcontractors back to complete the job," Globuild developer George Daoud said.

"It's important to the local building industry to provide some sustainable employment in the area. If there is sustainable employment in an area it promotes more development," he said.

As a result, at least 10 of the original subcontractors have returned to the site to complete the work.

Mr Daoud said the decision to use local tradespeople was an easy one.

"A lot of the Coffs-based subcontractors, who provided the original work, are better than I've seen anywhere else."

The complex was at lock-up stage when the project was halted, so the majority of the work to be completed is internal and external painting and minor finishes.

While Globuild has previously operated mainly in Sydney and the Illawarra but Mr Daoud said he was open to exploring more opportunities on the Coffs Coast in the future.

"We do see the area as having a lot of potential and a lot of room for future development," he said.

"It has great infrastructure and facilities and climate; everything you need for good living.

"There is definitely a scarcity of new dwellings here."

The apartments ranging in price from $302,000 to $1 million are expected to be completed by late April.