Court orders stop work for two towers at 189 Macquarie St

A JUDGE has ordered construction to stop at two 30-storey buildings in the heart of Parramatta, questioning the “structural integrity” of the site.

A judge has ordered tools down at a Macquarie St construction site.

WORK has stopped on the $145 million Macquarie Towers project in Parramatta CBD to protect the structures from risk of collapse.

The Land and Environment Court stopped the construction of two 30-storey apartment blocks at 189 Macquarie St, plunging the project into uncertainty.

The court found two basement levels were built on the site without council consent, impacting the “structural integrity” of the entire project.

189 Macquarie St, Parramatta. development has had construction halted a court found the site was non-compliant with council rules. Image: Google Maps

“There is sufficient doubt in my mind as to the structural integrity of the basement levels,” commissioner Sarah Bish said.

“I am concerned that if not constructed on structurally sound basement rock, this could compromise the entire building.”

More than 700 apartments and 10 levels of parking are planned for the site.

In court proceedings between developer Toplace and Parramatta Council, the council’s lawyers claimed external cladding used on the site was combustible, parking spaces were too small and the area had not been adequately waterproofed.

Toplace was ordered to stop-work after basement four and five were found to be non-compliant.

Issues at the site were first brought to the council’s attention in March 2016, after the two basement levels were built without adequate stormwater and groundwater drainage.

A council spokesman said the noncompliance stemmed from a “number of issues”.

“The applicant had lodged a modification application which sought to address the noncompliance and other matters,” he said.

“The application was refused by the Joint Regional Planning Panel. The applicant appealed that decision to the Land and Environment Court.

An artist’s impression of the completed 30-storey apartment building.

“During the early stages of the appeal process, it became apparent that the noncompliance resulted in a number of issues.”

The site was formerly a single-level council carpark.

The council has confirmed they are negotiating with the company.

Toplace was contacted regarding the stop-work order but refused to comment.

When complete the block will house 700 apartments.