Western Syd Airport Builds Continue Despite Quasar Woes

The Western Sydney International Airport is among projects affected by a Sydney-based construction firm being placed in administration.

Quasar Constructions was put into administration last week with $60 million owed to creditors and just $6 million in assets.

The moves affects 10 under-way projects, of which three have been abandoned, four are the subject of legal action, and three are being reviewed for rectification. 

Four buildings at the airport site, the maintenance centre, airport operations control centre, waste facility building and the main access gatehouse are affected. 

About 15 subcontractors working for Quasar are also affected, according to reports. 

AeroWest, a joint venture between BMD Constructions and Seymour Whyte Constructions, won the tender to build the Landside Civil and Building Works in December, 2021 and then brought on Quasar Constructions. 

An AeroWest spokesperson said Quasar Constructions were subcontracted by Aerowest “to construct four small buildings as part of the airport’s Landside Civil and Building package of works”. 

“The four buildings for which Quasar Constructions were hired are more than 90 per cent complete.  

“Since Quasar Constructions went into voluntary administration last month, Aerowest has continued working with subcontractors to ensure construction of the four buildings continues.”  

The joint venture’s work includes designing and building carparks, roads, bridges, utility connections and landscaping, according to the Western Sydney International Airport website.

BMD Constructions said yesterday it was unable to comment due to public holidays in Queensland and NSW.

A spokesperson for the airport told media that the buildings were more than 90 per cent complete. 

Meanwhile, work on another affected project, the Revelop Group’s $50-million Calderwood shopping centre at Shellharbour, has paused.

▲ Render of the Calderwood Village Shopping Centre, also affected by the Quasar Constructions decision.

Concrete has been poured and framework begun on one of the buildings. 

The project is part of Lendlease’s $380-million masterplanned community in the Illawarra.

Revelop’s plans for the site include a childcare centre, a large format medical and allied health facility, gym and a 800sq m swim school.

There will also be a 7500sq m neighbourhood shopping centre with anchor tenants Woolworths and BWS, an al fresco food and dining precinct, and 280 car parking spaces including EV charging stations. 

The 18,500sq m project is 90 per cent pre-committed.

Construction began in January of this year, according to Revelop's website. 

The Urban Developer contacted Quasar Constructions, the Revelop Group and the Western Sydney International Airport for comment.