Civic and property construction sector leaders say they are relieved that Icon will finish the $300 million-plus 56-level Seascape apartment tower in Auckland.
“So pleased that work will once again commence on the iconic building,” said Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson after developer Shundi Customs’ announcement of the builder to replace China Construction.
Seascape will be New Zealand’s tallest apartment building at 183m.
Shane Brealey, managing director of Simplicity Living, creating 1000-plus build-to-rent Auckland apartments, said: “Brave. Somebody has to do it. The alternative is a rusting hulk on our skyline. Well done, Icon. The city will be behind you.”
A Shundi Customs spokesman said Icon, headed in New Zealand by Dan Bosher, would soon begin work finishing the tower.
Tim Marsh, commercial asset manager at the multi-billionaire landlord Kiwi Property, said: “Fantastic news!”
Finn Clark, Wellington area manager of high-rise builder CMP Construction, said: “Nice, Dan Bosher. Knock it out of the park.”
A Heart of the City spokesperson said: “Once it’s complete, it will be a wonderful opportunity to bring more residents into the city centre, more vibrancy, as well as benefiting neighbouring businesses.”
“Thumbs up to Icon,” others said.
A spokesman for Icon said the developer and builder were now discussing the re-start.
“Icon has been engaged by Shundi on the Seascape residential apartment tower in Auckland, to provide operational support throughout the transition period.
“Icon and Shundi are in discussions to progress the project’s full construction recommencement. While arrangements have not been finalised, both parties are working together closely in what are constructive and confidential discussions.”
Icon has just finished the new 41-level $250m Hotel Indigo Auckland at 51 Albert St.
Icon, owned by Japan’s Kajima Corporation, is one of New Zealand’s largest builders. Projects include:
Also welcoming Icon’s arrival at Seascape was Dan Devereux, managing director and owner of The Labour Exchange. He said he had a team working on Seascape for five years.
“...was gutted to have to walk away late last year.”
A spokesman for SkyCity Entertainment Group also welcomed the Icon announcement as being extremely good news for Auckland. In February, that company plans to open its $1 billion-plus NZ International Convention Centre.
Others who work in the CBD said they had watched the site with increasing concern, calling it an eyesore and worrying about the many open floors as winter arrived.
Another to express relief was Patrick Dougherty, now a director and adviser who spearheaded innovation and construction at Kāinga Ora’s massive state housing stock rebuild in Auckland since 2019.
“A tough gig but pleased to see you take on Dan and team, good for Auckland,” Dougherty said.
Shundi’s spokesman said a settlement had been reached where the construction contract ended.
China Construction would hand over the site and project to Shundi on April 24.
Once that handover occurs, Shundi will take responsibility for the site and for completing the project and China Construction would have no further role and no responsibility for the site or the project, the spokesman said.
That announcement on April 16 followed a Building Disputes Tribunal ruling last year that Shundi Customs “is liable to pay China Construction New Zealand a total of $36,191,804.47. Despite the tribunal’s decision, the payment has not yet been settled and legal proceedings remain ongoing”, according to China Construction accounts.
Shundi took China Construction to the High Court at Auckland after a dispute over that payment.
Last month, Justice Greg Blanchard backed the builder over the developer.
Whether the $36.9m has been paid is unknown.
Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 25 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.
Villa scooped up at auction this week for $2.72m.