Hurlstone Park: Cracks, water leaks, defects uncovered in New Canterbury Rd apartment complex

A newly-built Sydney apartment development has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after more than 20 separate defects were discovered at the site. See the list here.

A photo of the building identified by building watchdog inspectors.

The developer of a newly-built inner west apartment building has been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered more than 20 separate defects at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW to developer Innerwest 888 Pty Ltd following an inspection of the multi unit residential building at 610-618 New Canterbury Rd in Hurlstone Park.

The inspection identified a total of 26 defects that, according to Fair Trading, failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The defects included uncontrolled cracking in the basement concrete slabs of the building including some cracks which had “migrated through the full depth of the slab”.

Multiple defects identified by Fair Trading related to inadequate waterproofing works including water damage in areas of the roof of the building and water discharging from perimeter drains at the development.

The rectification order related to building works at 610-618 New Canterbury Rd in Hurlstone Park.

In the building’s basement, the floor surface did not have adequate drainage works, resulting in accumulation of excess water throughout the area, according to the Fair Trading order.

Fair Trading inspectors also identified defects relating to fire safety standards including gaps underneath fire door leaves that exceeded 10mm.

Doors to electric cupboards in public corridors were also not provided with smoke seals.

NSW Assistant Building Commissioner Elizabeth Stewart, who issued the order on June 26, has required all defects to be remediated within four months to ensure the building meets compliance standards.

“I accept that the order requires considerable further building work 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 to approved plans, the Building Code of Australia and Australian standards.”

Planning records show the development was approved by Canterbury-Bankstown Council in 2013 and is currently occupied by residents.

The development is advertised to buyers and tenants as offering “contemporary apartment” style living with apartments boasting city views.