Gary Knight, GM Asset Manager and Growth Argyle Housing, Michael Dall’Est, Principal Dall’Est Constructions, Carolyn Perry, CFO Argyle Housing and Carolyn Doherty, CEO Argyle Housing. Photo: Supplied.
A local builder has been chosen to resurrect two affordable housing projects in Griffith that have been stalled for almost a year since the collapse of the previous main contractor.
Not-for-profit Argyle Housing had been constructing four two-storey, two-bedroom townhouses on the corner of Wakaden and Crossing streets, and a community hub to support a housing development called Griffin Green in south Griffith.
But both these dwellings have sat unfinished since the Sydney-based main contractor, Greenwich Build Pty Ltd, went into administration in February 2025, with the Wakaden Street project creating a huge eyesore on one of the town’s major thoroughfares.
Greenwich Build collapsed owing more than $3 million on its project and dozens of tradies still haven’t been paid for work they’ve already done.
Griffith electrician Paul Ellis ($118,000), Canberra plumber George Zouch ($109,000), Howlong bricklayer Kyle Cofield ($42,000) and Riverina Skips owner Stephen Violi ($11,000) all told Region they were still owed substantial amounts.
While these tradies are losing hope over whether they’ll be compensated, the unfinished dwellings are set to be completed by the popular local company Dall’Est Constructions.
“We are very happy to be partnering with Dall’Est Constructions to deliver these important projects for Griffith,” Argyle Housing CEO Carolyn Doherty said.
“Michael Dall’Est, as Principal, has been actively involved in assisting Argyle Housing to get both projects to this next critical juncture, and we look forward to working closely with him and his local team as construction recommences.”
The unfinished dwelling on Wakaden Street will finally be completed. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Another Griffith local business, Anthony Kidman from Kidman Consulting has been engaged by Argyle Housing to locally project manage both builds and work with Dall’Est Constructions and the Argyle Housing team.
Ms Doherty also acknowledged that many tradies still hadn’t been paid for their work on the project.
“I am deeply saddened by the effect that the previous builder going into administration has had on contractors who have contributed significantly to getting these projects to where they are today,” she said.
“We sincerely thank them for their work to date and acknowledge the impact this situation has had.”
The Wakaden Street townhouses are being built on land donated to Argyle by Griffith City Council. Argyle Housing says it will provide much-needed affordable housing for key workers, responding to increasing housing pressures in the Griffith area.
The Community Hub, called Ngumbaaydyil, aims to provide community connection and a space for local services to support the needs of residents living in nearby Griffin Green affordable housing dwellings.
“These projects are about more than buildings; they are about people, connection and delivering community assets that will make a real difference,” Ms Doherty said.
“I am personally very excited to open the doors of the Ngumbaaydyil Community Hub and welcome the community and local services into this space once complete.”
Further updates will be shared as construction progresses.”
Tradies who helped build new changing rooms and toilets at Hanwood Oval in a separate and now complete Griffith City Council-Greenwich Build project are also still owed money.
If you know more about this story, call Oliver on 0498843181 or email: [email protected]
