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Yuhu Group has strongly denied sacking Multiplex from the $1 billion-plus Jewel towers in Surfers Paradise after reports that workers and contractors ceased work on the project and walked off the job.
The Urban Developer can reveal that design and configuration revisions to podium have resulted in changes to Multiplex’s contract with Yuhu.
Yuhu will retender for the altered work.
As part of selecting a hotel operator for Jewel, the configuration of the podium component of the triple-tower project will be revised, Yuhu said.
“As is common industry practice, Yuhu will take guidance from the chosen operator when finalising design and configuration elements,” a Yuhu spokesperson said.
The hotel operator will be announced in coming weeks.
Related: Yuhu Group Reveals $3bn Plan for One Circular Quay, Jewel
On Thursday, Yuhu released a strongly-worded statement denying that revisions to the construction schedule would result in major job losses.
“It is somewhat surprising to see media reports of job losses and potential job losses.
“It is just another normal working day for us on the project.”
Yuhu said that the revisions were “more a result of scheduling” and Multiplex has been kept abreast of any changes.
“We have communicated [changes] with Multiplex and have kept them up-to-date with developments in this regard.
“We have also acted in accordance with the construction contract at all times.”
The Urban Developer has reached out to Multiplex who declined to comment on the reports.
Project owner Yuhu Group, who took over the Gold Coast Jewel project in May from Chinese group Dalian Wanda, reaffirmed its commitment to recently-topped out project.
“Yuhu can provide assurances that all remaining work will be undertaken by local contractors,” the spokesperson said.
“Jewel is about creating jobs and economic opportunity, not costing jobs.
“Regardless of scheduling, at the end of the day the work will still need to be done.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is confident that there will not be any net job loss in the long term.
“As the owner of Jewel, Yuhu can make any design changes they want to their project.
“If Multiplex drops due to tender it doesn't mean the jobs are lost. Somebody else still has to complete the new design work.”
