900-home Sydney apartment block “at threat of collapse”
The developers behind the 900-home apartment block have been ordered to immediately take action to fix the building which is at ‘threat of collapse’.
The developers of a 900-home apartment development in Sydney have been ordered to immediately fix a number of serious defects, with concerns the building could be at “threat of collapse”.
On Monday, a Building Work Rectification Order was issued for Greenland Australia – the developers behind 23 Halifax St, Macquarie Park – identifying serious damage and the deterioration of the concrete slabs at joint locations between the basement and ground floor.
The order was issued by the NSW Building Commission and written by Acting Assistant Building Commissioner Matt Press.
The issues, which the order says were caused “by defective workmanship” could cause the entire building, or parts of the building, to topple, the order states.
“As a result, it is likely to cause inability of the concrete slab to withstand the carpark and ground floor loads,” Mr Press writes.
“This is a defect in a building product or building element that causes or is likely to cause the basement slab to fail, namely, to fracture and collapse, leading to the destruction of the building or any part, or the threat of collapse of the building or any part.”
The developers have been called to undertake work to ensure “the slabs and beams can adequately support the structure”.
The order specifies that failure to comply with the instructions counts as a criminal offence, with the developer Greenland Sydney ordered to undertake a list of works within specified time frames to rectify the building.
The order notes the developers responded to Mr Press’ draft order in December and says they did not dispute the defect.
He also acknowledged the required actions “are likely to be costly,” but said the timelines listed were “reasonable”.
“I have formed this belief balancing the risks that the serious defects pose against the period of time it will take to carry out the specified actions,” he wrote.
Greenland Australia has been contacted for comment.
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