Randwick: Developer ordered to fix defects at multimillion dollar 146 Carrington Rd unit complex

A multimillion-dollar unit development being advertised to future buyers as “exuding sophistication” has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog due to serious building defects.

Tools have been downed on the development of a new apartment complex at Randwick following the discovery of serious building defects.

Fair Trading NSW has issued a stop-work order for 146 Carrington Rd due to structural defects including a shoring wall of the building not placed in the correct position and encroaching into the basement of the building.

The inspection, carried out on December 9, also found building piles did not reach the required socket depth of 1.5m below the lowest level of excavation.

A portion of the retaining wall in the northwest corner of the site had a continuous section of four piles with no concrete coverage, the longitudinal reinforcement was prematurely terminated or cut and there were no stirrups.

In issuing the order, Fair Trading said the defects in the structural integrity of the building presented a risk of a “significant harm” to property and people working on the site.

A concept image of an apartment at the development.

The order was issued to developer Florina No. 1 Pty Ltd and will remain in place until revoked by Fair Trading NSW.

NSW assistant building commissioner Matthew Whitton said piles were a key element of a building’s structural integrity.

A photo of the building site. Picture: Google Maps.

“I consider that piles are a key element of the building (and) the proper performance of this element is critical to the safety and integrity of the building as it provides support for other structures above,” he said.

“In my opinion, continuing with building work, including demolition work and other work with a view to completion of the building in circumstances where the piles have been partially demolished and do not support the structure above could lead to failure of the element and result in significant harm to property and to persons working on the site as a result of movement,” he said.

“I am satisfied that the building work is, or is likely to be, carried out in a manner that could result in significant harm or loss to the public or workers of the building to which the work relates or significant damage to property.”

Records show the three-storey development was approved by Randwick Council back in 2018.

The building, known as the ‘Florina’ development, is being advertised to future buyers as “exuding sophistication” and “showcasing bespoke architectural design enhanced by sweeping coastal views”.

A concept plan of the completed development.

The development will boast ocean views.

Once completed the $2.5 million development will have five apartments, basement carparking and landscaping works.

The stop work order came into force on December 23 and prevents any future owners from moving into the building until rectification works are completed.

News Local contacted the secretary for Florina No. 1 but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

A Fair Trading spokesman said the stop work order would remain in place until remediation work was completed by the developer.

The order was issued in line with laws allowing building sites to be temporarily shut down in cases where there is a risk of significant harm or loss to the public.