North Sydney: Developer ordered to fix serious defects at Rigal development at 1A Eden St

The state’s building watchdog has ordered a developer to fix serious defects, resulting in a “build-up of mould”, at a recently built multimillion-dollar unit development.

A multimillion-dollar unit development on Sydney’s north shore has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after serious defects, including inadequate waterproofing works, were discovered at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued to the developer of the ‘Rigel’ apartment complex at 1A Eden St, North Sydney following an inspection by Fair Trading NSW.

Fair Trading NSW issued the order on September 14 along with a separate prohibition order.

The inspection identified three separate defects including insufficient waterproofing in two bathrooms of the development which was resulting in a “build-up of mould” and “creating uninhabitable conditions”.

Fair Trading inspectors also observed moisture and stormwater entering into a unit from a balcony, causing the timber flooring inside the apartment to “warp”.

A photo of the building identified by Fair Trading NSW. Picture: Google Maps.

NSW building commissioner David Chandler has given 1A Eden Pty Ltd three months to fix the defects and ensure the building meets compliance standards.

“I accept that the order requires specified actions that are likely to be costly,” he said. “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.

The order was issued by Building Commissioner David Chandler.

Planning records show the $6.6m development was approved in the Land and Environment Court in 2013 after it was initially refused by North Sydney Council.

The development also comprises six serviced apartments, a cafe and basement carparking.

Along with the rectification order, Fair Trading NSW has also issued the developer with a separate prohibition order.

The order was issued after Fair Trading stated an inspection of the building showed that two of the six serviced apartments had been sold as residential units without an occupation certificate.

Two other serviced apartments were being advertised for sale without an occupational certificate.

The prohibition order means no further occupational certificates – allowing residents to move into units – can be issued until the order is revoked by Fair Trading NSW.