Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park has design, construction issues

Design and construction issues have been identified as the likely reasons for cracks appearing at a tower of units at Olympic Park, which has kept residents from their homes.

Design and construction issues have been identified as the likely reasons for cracks appearing at a tower of units at Olympic Park, which has kept residents from their homes.

The NSW Government appointed engineers to find out what went wrong at the 37-storey Opal Tower on December 24, when residents heard cracks and were evacuated.

They were allowed to return days later, but were soon asked to leave again.

The Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: John Appleyard

Professor Mark Hoffman from the University of NSW and Professor John Carter from the University of Newcastle have briefed the government on their preliminary findings.

“We can say from our initial assessment there is no evidence of any issues with the foundations of the building, though we believe that there are a number of design and construction issues that require further investigation,” they said.

“We are now able to focus our attention on these key areas to determine what has caused the issues.”

Opal resident Wei Yang and children Mason and Marrisa are among the many to be locked out of home. Picture: John Feder

The cracks are believed to be due to faults in a precast concrete slab, although the engineering firm that designed the tower, WSP, said the tower was structurally sound and never in danger of collapse.

The professors said they were expecting to gain key information today which would give them a better understanding of the cause.

They said they could not comment on rectification plans until they had this information.

The pair hope to say more by the end of next week.

Developer Ecove lead the tower project, which has 391 units, and building group Icon Construction completed it in August.

Icon Construction’s Julian Doyle has defended the workmanship. Picture: Jordan Shields

Ecove has several unit towers nearby on Australia Ave.

On the same day as the professors’ comments, residents were told WSP had devised a plan for repairs to level 10, where the cracks occurred.

The professors will review these plans.

Icon was devising how it would carry out the works, according to an email to residents, although there were no details of the repairs.

Once the repair plans were confirmed, residents would progressively be allowed to return, according to the email.

An insurance hotline is also being set up for residents to discuss claims with the building’s insurer QBE.

Anthony Leece is one of those residents unable to return home.

Opal Tower resident Anthony Leece. Picture: John Appleyard

Fencing has been erected around the tower and residents allowed only temporary access to retrieve belongings.

Like other residents, he has been provided hotel accommodation at Olympic Park.

“It’s ruined my holiday, “ he said.

“It sounds great being in a hotel, but I haven’t got access to everything.

“I’m aware there are (homeless) people who don’t have any place to live, but there are meetings, inconvenience, uncertainty and you’re unable to live a practical life.”

Mr Leece is a tenant and said many owners were suffering financial stress.