Manly Vale unit complex ordered to fix building defects after inspection

Developers behind a ritzy shop top housing complex on the northern beaches have been ordered to fix “serious defects” at the site including water leaks resulting in damage to units.

Developers behind a ritzy shop top housing complex on the northern beaches have been ordered to fix “serious defects” after an inspection uncovered damage to units caused by water leaks.

A rectification order issued by Fair Trading NSW will require Atlas Capital & Equities to fix defects on the top floor of its $9.7 million development currently under construction at 257-259 Condamine St, Manly Vale.

The order follows an inspection which found the balconies on the third level had insufficient waterproofing around the balcony doors.

Fair Trading stated the water leaks had caused water damage to the ceiling of the second level of the building.

The department said the inspection also uncovered inadequate height differences between the external finish level and the internal floor level of the building.

A concept plan of the completed development.

The report stated water entry could lead to further “degradation” of the units and the broader structure of the building if left unfixed.

Fair Trading building and construction compliance director Matthew Whitton said waterproofing was an essential part of compliant building standards.

The rectification order is line with orders granted to NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler.

“I accept that the order requires further construction work that is likely to be costly, however, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the future occupiers of the building to have the building constructed to the Australian Standards,” he said.

Council records show the development was approved in 2019 and will have 24 units over three levels ranging from one, two and three bedrooms.

The rectification order will require Atlas Capital to remove the balcony door suites, cladding, balcony tiles and install a compatible waterproofing system to prevent water, including wind driven water, flowing into units.

A photo of the building site.

The order follows a previous building rectification order issued by Fair Work on July 19 last year which related to mechanical services and waterproofing, which were fixed before the current rectification order was issued.

The order requires the current defects to be fixed by November 13 this year.

The Manly Daily contacted Atlas Capital for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Olivia Willson, who co-owns the Sugar Princess cake shop next to the site, said the rectification order was “not a good look” for the shopping strip.

“There have been a lot of issues at their site and now the building is going to be left empty for potentially months,” she said.

“I don’t think it’s a good look for the area. It’s meant to have been all fixed and beautiful and give this street a specific look. It’s disappointing as a business owner.”