Beecroft: Developer ordered to fix 23 defects at 25-27 Wongala Crescent apartment building

The developer of a recently-built apartment building in Sydney’s north has been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection uncovered ‘serious defects’ at the site.

Twenty three defects have been identified in the apartment building.

The developer of a newly-built residential complex in Sydney’s north has been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered ‘serious defects’ at the site.

A building work rectification order was issued by Fair Trading NSW to developer Sirius Consolidated Pty Ltd following an inspection of the five storey apartment building at 25-27 Wongala Crescent in Beecroft.

An inspection of the building identified 23 separate defects that, according to Fair Trading, failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The defects included a “significant crack” in the building’s basement that measured 11mm wide, as well as uncontrolled cracking in the basement slab and beams.

There were multiple defects relating to waterproofing including “significant water seepage” identified in the basement.

A photo of the development.

Water was also found to be entering multiple units, and mould growth was identified within the floor of a courtyard area.

Cracking in the building’s slab was found by Fair Trading to be causing steel reinforcements to rust.

There were also defects relating to the building’s fire safety standards including a large gap in a fire shutter system in the building’s basement carpark.

NSW acting Building Commissioner Elizabeth Stewart, who issued the order on January 29, has required all defects to be remediated within 120 days.

Ms Stewart said the rectification order would ensure the building meets compliance standards

“I accept that the order requires considerable further building work that is likely to be costly, and I give this consideration moderate weight,” she said.

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

Ms Stewart noted she was “aware that there are residents occupying” the building which may delay rectification work.

Planning records show the development was approved by Hornsby Council in 2013 and has 36 apartment.