Contractors started scrambling to secure replacements for Dunne Group on jobs across the UK after the firm went into administration this week.
Brookfield Multiplex, which has employed Dunne Group on multiple projects, is understood to have moved quickly to replace the firm on 100 Bishopsgate and One Blackfriars to ensure the schemes aren’t delayed.
At 100 Bishopsgate, Dunne Group had been on a 92-week, £36m deal to provide concrete substructure and superstructure works.
One source claimed the project manager and slipform manager have left the 100 Bishopsgate project, with Byrne taking on the deal and employing staff previously working for Dunne Group.
At One Blackfriars, the contractor had been working on a 50-storey post-tensioned tower off podium level with inclined in situ columns including the central core.
Laing O’Rourke’s Expanded business had carried out the substructure work, but Dunne Group took on the superstructure work for Brookfield Multiplex.
It is understood work has stopped at Newington Butts as Mace seeks a replacement for Dunne Group on the site.
This could include appointing a replacement contractor to the scheme or Mace directly employing the Dunne Group workers to finish the job.
Construction News understands that Mace will make a decision on this next week, after it has spoken to the administrator.
A source told CN suppliers were seeking to reclaim equipment while Mace decides how to replace Dunne Group on the project.
The source told CN that Dunne Group had paid around £1m for pump and piping equipment at 100 Bishopsgate and that the group’s assets would “surely outweigh its debts”.
Santander told CN yesterday that Dunne Group had been making “substantial losses” and that ”despite having provided increased facilities on numerous occasions to keep the business trading, the company was insolvent”.
A senior source disputed this, saying Santander had withdrawn credit facilities, forcing the Dunne Group into administration, despite it being “profitable” in the first half of 2016
Byrne Group has been contacted for comment. Brookfield Multiplex and Mace declined to comment.
