More charges for ADCO Group after Kew Recreation Centre roof collapse
New charges laid against a company responsible for building a recreation centre in Melbourne’s inner east have suggested why the new roof collapsed.
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New charges have been laid against a Melbourne building company that allegedly caused the collapse of the Kew Recreation Centre roof by splicing together a steel truss rather than using a solid piece of metal.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) laid several new charges on ADCO Group for not complying with building permits during construction of the centre in 2022.
The VBA alleges ADCO Group fabricated a roof truss from four sections of steel rather than the single length required.
ADCO Group also allegedly knew the building work was not being carried out in accordance with the building permits that had been issued.
Other alleged offences included non-compliant welding and painting of the steel trusses.
The VBA also filed individual charges against company director John Conroy.
ADCO Group and construction company Colab Building Tech were previously charged by WorkSafe with one count of failing to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that a workplace under its management or control was safe and without risks to health.
The two companies were contracted to work on the $73m redevelopment of the Kew Recreation Centre that was due to be completed in 2023.
The steel roof structure collapsed in October 2022. No one was injured.
Neighbours, at the time, said the roof collapse sounded like an “explosion” or a “massive car accident”.
WorkSafe charged the builders after a two-year investigation.
Construction of the new recreation centre resumed in late 2024 after the collapsed steel was removed from the site.
ADCO Group, who remains responsible for the build, notified Boroondara council a contract had been signed for procurement of the structural steel required to rebuild the structure.
The new centre will include a learn to swim pool, a warm water pool, an aqua play area, an onsite childcare, indoor sport courts, a cafe and more.
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