Developers ordered to fix ‘serious defects’, water leaks at North Sydney apartment complex

The companies which developed a recently-completed Sydney unit complex have been given 60 days to fix multiple defects which were uncovered during an inspection by the state’s building watchdog.

Defects have been discovered during an inspection of the apartment building.

Serious defects including water leaks have been uncovered at a newly-built North Sydney 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 eight-storey unit building at 144-150 Walker St to fix four separate defects relating to waterproofing works at the site.

The $13.6m development – known as ‘The Heritage’ – was approved by North Sydney Council in 2010 and is currently occupied by tenants.

An inspection report released by Fair Trading this month shows the defects include water damage to internal ceilings which Fair Trading states was “causing unhealthy conditions, loss of amenity for occupants, undue dampness, and deterioration of building elements”.

Water damage was also seen in the soffit lining of all unit balconies which the Fair Trading order states was causing mould and water staining.

The multistorey building, located at the back, is the subject of the rectification order.

There was also water observed penetrating into habitable areas of one unit which the inspection report states was causing mould damage to the carpet.

Water was also observed penetrating into the fire stairs in a number of locations, causing deterioration of building elements.

The rectification order was issued to developer Modog Pty Limited and The Heritage at North Sydney Pty Ltd on July 4 and will remain in place until revoked by Fair Trading NSW.

The development was approved by North Sydney Council in 2010.

NSW Building commissioner David Chandler has set a two-month deadline for the defects to be fixed.

“I accept that the order requires specified actions that are likely to be costly. However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the occupiers to be gained from identifying the specific building work that will eliminate the Serious Defects,” he said.

The director of Modog and The Heritage at North Sydney were contacted for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

The eight-storey complex has 28 apartments including penthouse units which are advertised to buyers as boasting “panoramic harbour views”.

The development was completed in 2013.