‘Serious defects, cracks’ uncovered at Neutral Bay apartment development

A multimillion dollar apartment building has come under scrutiny after a list of serious defects including “uncontrolled cracking” was identified at the north shore site.

Thirty defects have been identified in a building watchdog inspection.

The state’s building watchdog has ordered rectification works to be carried out at a recently completed north shore apartment development after it said it uncovered a list of “serious defects” including cracking at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW following an inspection of the ‘Jacota’ apartment building at 9 Young St in Neutral Bay.

The building watchdog says the inspection of the 28-unit development identified 30 separate defects that failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The development was approved by local planning authorities in 2016 and has units currently advertised to buyers as offering “sophisticated” apartments that showcase “style, quality and prestige”.

The alleged defects included “significant cracking” within the building’s main carpark entry as well as “uncontrolled cracking” in the basement slabs.

The development is located in the Neutral Bay town centre.

Fair Trading stated some of the cracks had “migrated through the full depth of the basement slabs with water penetrating through”.

Fire safety standards were another area of concern with Fair Trading observing an unknown material used in parts of the fire stairs that was not considered to be fire rated, and an absence of smoke detectors in the ground floor lobby.

Fire door frames throughout the building were hollow when tapped, Fair Trading stated, and the labelling of fire service equipment throughout the building was not correct.

A photos inside the building identified by Fair Trading. Photos: Realestate.com.au

Multiple alleged defects related to waterproofing were also identified by Fair Trading including inadequate drainage in the basement and common areas of the building.

Fair Trading said “uncontrolled water ingress” was also identified in the building’s fire stairs, a lift area and within one of the units.

Other alleged defects identified by Fair Trading included exposed and unprotected reinforcement evident in the concrete walls of the fire stairs and a pump room.

In the basement, hydraulic pipework joins had not been adequately sealed in a number of locations, resulting in the presence of residue on the carpark floor at affected locations.

Fair Trading said areas of the concrete slab had not been properly vibrated or compacted, which has created areas of segregation and honeycombing, and there was insufficient ventilation in gas meter cupboards throughout the building.

NSW Building Commission assistant commissioner Elizabeth Stewart, who issued the order on Monday, has required all defects to be remediated within an eight month deadline to ensure the building meets compliance standards.

She said the “serious defects” identified at the site may “negatively impact the amenity of the development for owners and occupiers”.

“I accept that this order requires considerable further building works and actions that are likely to be costly,” she said.

“However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the owners and occupiers of the development in having the Development constructed according to approved plans, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards.”

According to Fair Trading, it had contracted the developer of the building in February regarding the defects but, as of Monday, had not received a submission in response.

Planning records show the development was approved for construction by North Sydney Council in 2016.