Di Lattes resurface for Carnarvon apartment build

The family behind collapsed building firm Diploma Group has emerged as the developer of a seaside apartment complex in Carnarvon, the first in the north-west town.

The Di Latte family's private construction vehicle, DG Corp, is planning a four-storey apartment named The Pier at prime real estate on the Carnarvon fascine.

Carnarvon’s 85 Olivia Terrace block was sold to Natalie De Felice’s (nee Di Latte) AngoveNP by the state government for $650,000 in 2022, and the state has expressed interest in apartments at the development.

The Pier complex, once completed, would consist of 35 apartments, up to 113 hotel rooms, office and retail space, a restaurant, parking, and a boat jetty, which would require separate approval.

In April last year, ex-Diploma chief executive Nick Di Latte said the project drew inspiration from resorts in Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth, with specific reference to Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.

“What we’re bringing is modern, state-of-the-art facilities, resort facilities in fact, with a large central lagoon pool, food and beverage offering, as well as a business centre. All of that together will certainly provide a new modern offering that residents can enjoy,” he said.

The development comes at a complicated time for the Di Lattes, who are embroiled in a long-running pay dispute with subcontractors over the 2016 collapse of Diploma Group.

Liquidators were appointed to the former ASX-listed company and its subsidiaries in 2017 amid claims millions of dollars were owed to subcontractors.

Those disputes are ongoing, with Nick Di Latte watching on in court in December as the case held its most recent session.

Nick Di Latte and Mrs De Felice were listed as defendants in the legal dispute alongside other family members and firms.

DG Corp chairman Dominic Di Latte and director Frank Di Latte held senior roles at Diploma Group subsidiaries, according to a 2015 directors’ report – Dominic is also an ex-director – but are not listed as defendants to the claim.

Dominic is the father of Nick and Frank Di Latte, and Mrs De Felice.

Mrs De Felice, a former Diploma Group secretary, is now director and secretary of DG Corp.

Nick Di Latte is listed as Angove’s contact person and Mrs De Felice its sole director.

DG Corp’s website lists a string of Diploma Group-era developments in Perth among its list of completed projects.

A Department of Lands, Planning and Heritage spokesperson said due diligence was undertaken prior to selling land to the Di Lattes.

“The sales process for the site was undertaken in line with the department’s standard processes and in accordance with the provisions of the Land Administration Act 1997,” they said.

“The land was sold via a competitive market process.

“At the time of the sale, the sole director of AngoveNP, Natalina De Felice, was not listed as a banned or disqualified individual on the ASIC register.”

The spokesperson said the sale was made at market value.

DG Corp has gained approvals from the Shire of Carnarvon for The Pier’s 35-unit first stage, for which registrations are said to open early this year, and a further two stages.

The Pier would appear to mark the Di Lattes’ first major building project since the collapse of Diploma Group.

The family opened a cellar door at their Caves Road winery Di Latte Estate next to Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co in September last year.

DG Corp did not respond to requests for comment.