Ryde Qube apartments: Developers ordered to fix defects after building watchdog inspection

A major unit development in Sydney’s north has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after 25 separate defects were discovered at the site.

Twenty five defects have been detected in the building.

The developer of a new unit development in Sydney’s north has been ordered to carry out major rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered a string of serious defects at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW to developer Forte Sydney Construction following an inspection of the six storey ‘Qube’ apartment building at 2-6 Junction St, Ryde.

An inspection identified 25 separate defects including inadequate waterproofing, fire safety, structural systems and essential building services.

The order – issued on April 24 – states the defects constituted breaches of multiple Australian building standards.

The defects at the 42-unit development included “uncontrolled cracking” in drain areas of basement car park levels of the building.

A photo of the development.

A diesel exhaust pipe had also been installed near unit windows which Fair Trading states “posed a threat to health and safety risks to the occupants”.

Steel reinforcements on the slab of the building were also exposed and had the potential to compromise the structural integrity of the slab, the order states.

The building was inspected by Fair Trading NSW.

The defects relating to waterproofing included a lack of adequate drainage system on the building’s roof.

Water was also observed on the wall linings in a unit on the third level of the building.

In the basement level, investigators observed severe degradation of the metal handrail of fire stairs.

Other defects included exposed services with inadequate cover or protection, insufficient ventilation inside gas meter cupboards throughout the entire building, and insufficient transitioning lighting at the car park entryway.

The building has 42 units.

Defects related to fire safety included the placement of bollards in the carpark which Fair Trading state could impede the path of egress from the fire stairs.

There were also inadequate emergency luminaries such as exit signs and emergency lights at the fire exit stairwell.

Department of Customer Service director of legal operations Elizabeth Stewart has given Forte Sydney Construction up to 180 days to fix the defects to ensure the building meets compliance standards.

A photo of the development.

“I accept that the order requires considerable further construction work that is likely to be costly,” she said in the order.

“However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the occupiers of the units which comprise the building in having the building constructed to the approved plans and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.”

Planning records show the development was approved by the Ryde Council in 2015 and was completed four years later in 2019.

The development is advertised as offering “boutique” apartments that have a focus on “both quality and sustainability”.

Forte Sydney Construction was contacted for comment but did not provide a response at the time of publication.