Cammeray: Developer Platino Properties fixes defects uncovered by NSW building watchdog

A Sydney developer says it has fixed multiple defects uncovered at a luxury unit development including inadequate fire safety systems that the state’s building watchdog warned posed a risk to future occupants.

A concept image of the multimillion dollar development.

A Sydney developer says it has fixed multiple defects uncovered at a luxury unit development including inadequate fire safety systems which the state’s building watchdog warned posed a risk to future occupants.

A prohibition order that temporarily blocked tenants from moving into a new unit complex at 314-316 West St, Cammeray, put in place following the discovery of defects at the construction site during an inspection by Fair Trading NSW, has been lifted.

The defects had included a lack of safety emergency stops in the building’s car stack parking system that could be used in emergency situations, along with a lack of visible fire safety systems.

The system also failed to have adequate ventilation which Fair Trading said created a risk of injury or loss of life due to the accumulation of smoke that could occur in the event of fires.

Other defects were also identified in the building’s stormwater drains that did not convey water to drain outlets resulting in water accumulating in the building’s basement carpark.

A photo of the building during construction phases. Photo: Google Maps.

The defects prompted Fair Trading NSW to issue the developer of the project – Platino Properties – with a prohibition order that meant buyers or tenants could not move in to the development until the defects were fixed.

The prohibition order was lifted last week after Platino Properties carried out rectification works. 

A concept image of the completed development.

A spokeswoman for Platino Properties said safety was among the company’s top priorities.

“The inspection identified unfinished work, which resulted in the issuance of a prohibition order. The builders have now completed the building, attended to all the things raised and have submitted all information requested by the office of the building commissioner,” she said in a statement.

“The inspection process is an important step in ensuring the safety and compliance of buildings.

“At Platino Properties, safety and customer satisfaction are our top priority.”

A photo of what the completed development is expected to look like.

Planning records show the five-level development was approved by North Sydney Local Planning Panel in 2020 and includes seven apartments.

The $4.5 million project, also known as ‘Four Figs Place’, is being advertised to future buyers as a “perfect address available to only a select few”.

At the time of issuing the prohibition order, NSW building commissioner David Chandler said the works failed to comply with multiple building standards.

“The lack of installed safety emergency isolation stop points (in the car stacker) is a defect because there is no way for a member of the public to immediately stop the car stacked mechanism in the event of an accident, malfunction fire or other situation,” he said.

“I accept that issuing a prohibition order will place pressure on the developer (however) the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the future occupiers of the building.”

The orders are in line with legislation prohibiting the issue of an occupation certificate in circumstances including where serious building defects have been identified.