Full list of NSW apartment, commercial developments ordered to fix defects by building watchdog
Cracks, water leaks, and inadequate fire safety measures are among hundreds of defects that have been identified in developments across NSW. See the full list of properties.
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Cracks, water leaks, and inadequate fire safety measures are among hundreds of defects that have been identified in apartment buildings across NSW as the state’s construction watchdog continues to crackdown on the sector.
A total of 10 separate buildings across NSW have been issued with rectification orders by Fair Trading NSW to fix defects in the last month including two developments containing more than 50 separate defects.
The rectification orders require developers to carry out remediation works within set deadlines to ensure the buildings are compliant with key Australian Building Standards.
A majority of defects identified in the orders relate to inadequate waterproofing works, fire safety standards and structural elements of buildings.
Many of the development issued rectification orders are occupied by residents and were completed within the last 10 years.
The figures come as the state government ramps up checks on the construction sector to ensure building developments meet building standards.
The measures include using the powers of Fair Trading to compel developers/builders to remediate serious defects.
Premier Chris Minns said the measures were partly aimed at ensuring buyers can have confidence when purchasing a new home.
“Ensuring existing apartment buildings are good quality, well constructed buildings will give families greater confidence in this critical industry,” he said.
NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler said common defects recently identified in construction projects include insufficient mortar in building joints resulting in building wall ties not being properly embedded,
Below is a list of buildings issued with rectification orders by Fair Trading NSW in the last month.
20 NANCARROW AVE, MEADOWBANK
Issued on January 18
Developer: Rothesay Avenue Developments Pty Ltd
42 defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to structural systems, waterproofing, and fire safety.
The Fair Trading inspection report showed defects relating to waterproofing included water seepage and stagnant discoloured water in the drainage trenches along a wall in the basement, and evidence of water ponding on the building’s roof. Multiple defects were related to fire safety including gaps around the fire door frames, doors of fire isolated stairways that were locked from the inside, and holes and gaps in a fire rated ceiling of a fire escape passageway. Fair Trading also identified uncontrolled cracking in the basement slabs of the building and “improperly or incomplete concrete” placement in structural walls.
The development, located near Parramatta River, is advertised online as the area’s “finest development offering a waterfront position and luxurious designer finishes”.
23 HALIFAX STREET, MACQUARIE PARK
Issued on January 15
Developer: Greenland (Sydney) Lachlan’s Line Macquarie Park Development Pty Ltd
A serious defect relating to the internal load-bearing component of the 900 apartment development was discovered during a Fair Trading inspection.
The inspection report stated the defect in the basements and ground floor was likely to cause the basement slab to fail, namely, to fracture and collapse, leading to the destruction or the threat of collapse of the building”. Greenland (Sydney) Lachlan’s Line Macquarie Park Development Pty Ltd has been given up to eight months to complete rectification works to ensure the slabs and beams can adequately support the structure. NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler said there is no immediate threat to occupants of the development. In a statement, Greenland stated it had “undertaken additional investigations” of the site and is committed to “working closely with the commission to satisfactorily resolve the situation”.
89 BAY STREET, GLEBE
Issued on January 12
Developer: Denwol Glebe Pty Ltd
Eight defects were discovered at the unit complex relating to inadequate waterproofing works, fire safety, structural systems and building essential services.
The inspection report shows the defects included uncontrolled cracking of 2mm to 4mm in the basement slabs of the building and large volumes of water ponding on the rooftop. Cables were also observed running through large areas where water was ponding.
Planning records show the development was approved by the City of Sydney in 2014 and contains more than 200 units.
57-59 LACHLAN STREET, WARWICK FARM
Issued on January 12
Developer: Derby St Projects Pty Ltd
A total of 45 defects were discovered at the 66-unit complex relating to waterproofing, fire safety, structural systems, building enclosures and building essential services.
The inspection report shows the defects included uncontrolled cracking of the basement ceiling slab, and cables that were incorrectly installed in an electricity meter room. According to Fair Trading, objects including “corroded nails” were observed embedded within the concrete slab in the building’s basement. The defects relating to waterproofing included water ingress into a basement car park from external courtyard areas.
Planning records show the development was approved by Liverpool Council and contains two nine storey buildings that are currently occupied by residents.
33-49 EUSTON ROAD, ALEXANDRIA
Issued on January 12
Developer: GCorp Property Pty Ltd
Seventeen defects were discovered at the mixed used development including inadequate fire safety and waterproofing works.
The inspection report showed the defects included accumulation of excess water in two unit balcony areas due to inadequate slopes to drainage outlets. It was also observed that water had entered the interior of a unit, causing water staining and damage to carpet linings. The defects relating to fire safety included an absence of a smoke detection system within common internal garbage chute rooms and fire stairs. Fair Trading also observed fresh air intake in the carpark did not extend to the perimeter of the building, resulting in recirculation of the carpark air.
Planning records show the development was approved by the City of Sydney in 2013 and includes 46 units and four retail tenancies.
567-573 PACIFIC HWY, ST LEONARDS
Issued on January 11
Developer: St Leonards Real Estate Development Pty Ltd
A total of 51 defects were discovered at the north shore unit complex including uncontrolled cracks in the building’s basement.
The inspection also identified no evidence of waterproofing or sealing in external sections of the basement with “very moist walls and significant water ingress” observed in the external slabs. In a communal lobby area, the inspection identified “significant water ingress and mould growth over a lift door”. In another section of the building, the inspection identified inadequate drainage to prevent the ingress of water into a lift. There were further defects related to fire safety standards including insufficient fire exit signage to direct occupants to the correct exit and prevent them from descending to the basement.
The eight storey building is located in the North Sydney Council area and contains 27 units.
35-39 BALMORAL STREET, WAITARA
Developer: Northview Corporate Pty Ltd
Thirty two defects were identified by Fair Trading including uncontrolled cracks in external walls and in the building’s basement.
Fair Trading identified further defects relating to waterproofing including “significant water ingress through cladding on multiple locations” of the building. Moisture damage was also observed in interior linings and finishes.
Planning records show the development was approved by Hornsby Council and includes more than 90 units.
15 BENNETT STREET, MORTLAKE
Issued on January 11
Developer: Majors Bay Developments Pty Ltd
117 defects were identified at the multistorey unit complex relating to structural systems, building enclosures, fire safety, waterproofing and building essential services.
The defects included cracking on a masonry wall, and uncontrolled cracking in the concrete slab of the basement. Inspectors identified insufficient duct support systems, inadequate fire sprinkler head coverage in sections of the building including a lobby area, and an absence of adequate natural or mechanical ventilation in the building’s basement. Defects relating to fire standards included fire doors to residential apartments that contained gaps of up to 20mm underneath doors.
The development was approved by the former Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel in 2014.
75-77 SHORTLAND ESPLANADE, NEWCASTLE
Issued on January 11
Developer: KRED Pty Ltd
36 defects were discovered at the 15 storey mixed used development including corrosion in the building’s wall cladding and roof sheeting, and cracking in concrete within basement sections of the building. Defects were also identified relating to inadequate waterproofing works and fire safety systems.
Planning records show the development was approved by Newcastle Council in 2013.
2-24 MITCHELL ROAD, ALEXANDRIA
Issued on December 22
Developer: Eunomia Developments Unit Trust
An inspection identified 16 separate defects relating to waterproofing, fire safety and load bearing components of the building.
The defects at the $14.2 million development included “uncontrolled cracking” in a concrete beam in the car park level of the building. A fire door was also installed in the wrong direction. The defects relating to waterproofing included an ensuite shower with a lack of sealant, and a ground floor lobby that showed signs of water ingress under a window frame.
Planning records show the three storey development, known as ‘Teracota’, was approved in the Land and Environment Court in 2016 and was completed in 2020.
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