WorkSafe Victoria is pursuing two construction companies in court following a lengthy investigation into the collapse of a steel-trussed roof of a partially built public gym and pool in Melbourne’s inner east.
The roof of the $73 million Kew Recreation Centre development on High Street caved in about 10pm on October 20, 2022, causing a deafening bang locals likened to an explosion.
The roof of the under-construction Kew Recreation Centre collapsed late at night two years ago.Credit: Eamon Gallagher
Twisted metal members, which had been holding up the roof, fell from both sides.
The workplace health and safety regulator confirmed this week it has charged contract holder ADCO Construction and subcontractor Colab Building Tech, following its probe, with failing to ensure a safe workplace at the site.
The matter will be heard at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 11.
The construction failure has left City of Boroondara residents without the facilities for four years and a lingering, unresolved final cost to taxpayers.
WorkSafe and the Victorian Building Authority both launched investigations after the collapse.
The embattled building authority’s inquiry is ongoing.
No one was on-site or injured when the roof collapsed, but residents say it was only by chance that no lives were lost.
A letterbox drop to locals this month, signed by 10 Boroondara residents, has called for an independent inquiry.
“The roof collapse could have killed workers if it had happened during the day. It could have collapsed after the building was completed and being used,” the letter said.
“An independent inquiry must be held into the council’s management of this project … with a public report.”
Sophie Torney, a City of Boroondara candidate challenging the Studley Ward seat, said locals were frustrated by the lack of communication from the council.
“The community’s been without a rec centre for four years, and it’s going to be … about two years more. It’s the ‘we don’t even know’ part that is the issue,” she said.
Sophie Torney has campaigned on more accountability from the council over the Kew Recreation Centre collapse.Credit: Eamon Gallagher
During her campaign, Torney knocked on more than 3000 doors, and said 72 per cent of people said the recreation centre was their main council issue.
“Everyone raised it, young and old,” she said.
“There’s a whole primary school generation of kids who won’t have had that Kew Rec Centre … I’ve met elderly people who used to just walk to the centre, who will obviously not be able to do any classes there in their lifetime now.
“It really is a failure of communication because even if council haven’t been able to do things, at least communicate with the ratepayers, who are flipping mad.”
Demolition of the collapsed roof structure in March 2023.Credit: Arsineh Houspian
ADCO Construction announced the project in 2021, estimating a $65.5 million contract.
“The centre will offer a learn-to-swim pool, an aqua play area, a secluded warm-water pool for gentle exercise, childcare facilities, larger change rooms, two indoor sports courts, allied health suites, a forecourt, cafe and party room,” the company said when the development was first announced.
The cost has since blown out to more than $73 million, according to the council’s 2022-23 budget.
Delays in clearing the site, and a rise in the cost of labour and materials, are also expected to blow out the budget. The final cost – and who will foot the bill – remains unclear.
The City of Boroondara declined to reveal how much the project is now expected to cost and whether the council is in agreement with ADCO Construction on how it will be funded.
It also did not give an expected completion date, but said construction was expected to begin again after a two-year halt, once the site was cleared and new materials arrived in mid-December.
But Torney said work was permitted to resume in April and the council should explain the delay.
Deputy mayor Felicity Sinfield said questions about how long it will take to clear the site and complete the project should be directed to the construction company.
“It’s really with ADCO … to determine how quickly they can go from here,” she said.
“The investigation is being done by WorkSafe and the Victorian Building Authority, and council and the community would love an update or an interim report. We appreciate the community is seeking more information, but that’s in the hands of WorkSafe.”
Boroondara’s director of places and spaces, Daniel Freer, said the council would be following the court proceedings closely.
“This is a complex matter likely to be resolved through a legal process, and as such Council will not make public commentary on the cause of the collapse, which may prejudice its position. Council has provided community updates with this in mind,” he said.
“We are glad to see ADCO, the builder, has subcontractors now working on site demolishing the steel frame, with replacement steel arriving in December 2024.”
An ADCO spokesperson said the company had assisted WorkSafe with its investigation but declined to comment further.
Colab Building Tech could not be reached for comment.
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