“Uncontrolled cracking” discovered in luxury Neutral Bay apartment block.

By ANNA USHER

The state’s building watchdog has uncovered serious defects in a luxury Neutral Bay apartment block, including “uncontrolled cracking” and “uncontrolled water ingress” at the site.

The NSW Department of Fair Trading has ordered building rectification works following an inspection of the Jacota complex at 9 Young St.

Mosman Collective can reveal the 28-unit development, with shops located underneath, has 30 separate failings that did not comply with Australian building standards.

The mixed-use building, with a footprint of 886 sqm, was approved in 2016. It has been previously marketed as “appealing to downsizers or discerning buyers who prize high-end design and spacious apartment living.”

Alleged defects listed in the Building Work Rectification Order include “uncontrolled cracking” in the basement area of the building, where some cracks “have migrated through the full depth of the basement slabs, with water penetrating through.”

Fair Trading also states all unit balconies have “no visible overflow provisions”, and there is “uncontrolled water ingress” above a lift entry and within the windows of at least one unit on Level 5.

Fire safety standards were another concern, with the watchdog noting an unknown material was used in parts of the fire stairs, and there was an absence of smoke detectors in the ground floor lobby.

Fair Trading stated that fire door frames throughout the building were hollow when tapped, and the labelling of fire service equipment throughout the building was incorrect.

Other alleged defects identified by Fair Trading included exposed and unprotected reinforcement, which is evident in the concrete walls of the fire stairs and a pump room.

There was also evidence of timber and plastic formwork from the original concrete pours left “in situ” in parts of the building, including the basement.

“Areas of the concrete slab have not been properly vibrated or compacted, which has created areas of segregation and honeycombing,” the report said.

“The sewer/stormwater drainage pipework has been installed without adequate fall when aligned with the adjacent slab.

“And hydraulic pipework joins, including sewer, have not been adequately sealed in several locations, resulting in the presence of residue on car park floor at affected locations.”

NSW Building Commission assistant commissioner Elizabeth Stewart has demanded that all 30 defects be remediated within an eight-month deadline to ensure the building meets compliance standards.

She said the failures identified at the site might “negatively impact the amenity of the development for owners and occupiers” and may reduce residents’ ability to use the complex for its intended purposes “such as reduction of habitability”.

“I accept that this order requires considerable further building works 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 according to approved plans, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards.”