Builder says Opal Tower will be ‘safe to occupy’ from weekend

The company that constructed Opal Tower says the building will be finally “safe to occupy” from this weekend. But residents still won’t be able to move back in.

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The company that constructed Opal Tower says the building will be finally “safe to occupy” from this weekend.

But residents will not be able to move back until relocation advice is released by the body corporate’s engineer.

The newly-built tower in Sydney Olympic Park was evacuated on Christmas Eve after cracks found in the building sparked fears it would collapse.

This comes as the state government is expected to receive it’s own expert report as residents spent an 18th night away from home.

Work is being carried out on the tenth floor of the Opal Tower. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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A spokeswoman for builder Icon said the company had received confirmation from design engineer WSP Australia that the building is “safe to occupy” after stabilisation works are finished this evening.

“The list of apartments that require no remedial works has been forwarded to the Body Corporate – these apartments can be reoccupied,” the spokeswoman said in a statement to residents last night.

“Dates for reoccupation of the remaining apartments requiring remedial works will follow once design confirmation is provided by WSP.”

The spokeswoman said Icon was still awaiting advice from body corporate engineer Cardno regarding relocating residents back into the building.

Builder says Opal Tower will be “safe to occupy” from this weekend. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Ideally, we would like agreement between all parties,” the spokeswoman said.

“As previously advised by the NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, any decision to reoccupy the building is one for the owners, residents and the builder.

Inside the cracked Opal Tower building

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“While we would welcome the Department’s independent Engineers advice, the confirmation regarding the suitability of the structure lives with the Engineers engaged to undertake that work.”

The government’s initial report, by two independent experts appointed by Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, was expected to be released today but The Daily Telegraph understands it’s been delayed.