Construction back in town | Gladstone Property | Real Estate News for Gladstone, Australia

Quarterback Group's building site is again buzzing with workers who have recommenced work on the units.

Chrissy Harris

FOR the past few months it has lain dormant - a massive, unfinished structure dominating Gladstone city's skyline.

But now Quarterback Group's Aspex project is back on track and in full swing.

“The project is now officially on its way,” Quarterback Group managing director Daryl Fennell said yesterday.

Mr Fennell said project contractors Hutchinson Building had re-assembled their construction crew with 100 people being employed directly to work on the site over the various stages.

“UP to 50 per cent of these are from the Gladstone region with steel, concrete, plumbing, form work and excavation all sourced locally,” he said.

“The massive Hutchinson crane is in full swing and the site is buzzing with tradespeople and construction equipment. It's all go, go, go.”

Mr Fennell said work was now up to level three of the five-storey project.

He said it would be during this stage that Ergon Energy would take away the existing powerlines and replace them with an underground supply.

“This will be an exciting and crucial part of the development and we are expecting that work on this phase will commence shortly,” Mr Fennell said.

The commercial building has been completed and the fit-out of the display unit is now well on its way.

“In addition, Hutchinson has entered into rental agreements to house several of their key construction team so the benefit to the local economy is significant.”

Another local business benefiting from the re-commencement of construction is Kim Perkins' take-away shop White Sails.

“It's made business a lot better,” said Ms Perkins.

“It had been a bit quiet around here.”

She said that business had definitely picked up since the boys had picked up their tools again.

She said the most popular order was for burgers and yoghurt.

“They're not really pie-eaters - they're more burger boys,” Ms Perkins said.

“Although the plumbers tend to be more chips boys.”

She said it was encouraging the boys weren't neglecting their healthier side - she sold a lot of fruit salads and yoghurts in the afternoon.

Ms Perkins said her goal was to get to know all the boys by name and what they like to eat.

“If they're single they come for breakfast, lunch and smoko,” said Ms Perkins.

Aspex is scheduled to be completed in May 2010.