Ashfield: Developer ordered to fix 23 building defects in eight storey apartment building

Serious defects including water leaks, cracks and inadequate fire safety works have been uncovered at a newly-built Sydney apartment block.

Serious defects including water leaks, cracks and inadequate fire safety works have been uncovered at a newly-built Ashfield apartment block following an inspection by the state’s building watchdog.

Fair Trading NSW has issued a building rectification order to the developer of the residential complex at 8 Murrell St to fix 23 building defects relating to waterproofing works, fire safety and structural systems.

Planning records show the eight storey development – known as ‘The Radiance’ building – was granted development approval by Inner West Council in 2017 and completed two years later 2019.

An inspection report made public by Fair Trading last week shows the defects included uncontrolled cracking in the building’s basement and “significant corrosion” to steel elements on the building’s roof.

A photo of the building at 8 Murrell St identified by Fair Trading

Fair Trading also observed a lack of natural or mechanical ventilation in basement and ground floor common areas of the building and the car park exhaust system was observed to be “out of order”.

Multiple defects identified by Fair Trading related to waterproofing works including floor surfaces in units that did not have adequate slopes to drainage outlets – resulting in water accumulating in affected areas.

Inspectors also observed “uncontrolled water ingress” within the building’s fire stairs and inadequate water overflow drainage in some balcony areas.

A file photo showing interior sections of the building. Photo: Realestate.com.au

In the building’s lift shaft, Fair Trading said an entrance area was not adequately waterproofed or protected from weather.

There were also multiple defects identified by Fair Trading relating to fire safety including an absence of a smoke detector in a fire isolated stairwell, and fire door frames which were observed to be “hollow” when tapped.

In the basement, fire sprinkler heads were observed by Fair Trading to be obstructed including by tenant storage cages.

The development was granted planning approval by Inner West Council.

The rectification order – which requires the developer of the building to carry out remediation works – will remain in place until revoked by Fair Trading NSW.

NSW Building Commission executive director Matt Press has set a four-month deadline for the defects to be fixed.

“I accept that this order requires considerable further building works and actions that are likely to be costly (and) I am aware that obtaining reports from third parties required by this order will pose time constraints and costs on the developer,” he said.

“However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the owners and occupiers of the development in having the development constructed according to approved plans, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards.”

The development has been previously advertised to buyers as offering “well-appointed and very spacious modern apartments” with “crisp light-filled interiors” and open plan living.