A stop-work order has been issued for The Acre in Bellevue Hill following the discovery of serious defects by inspectors.
Whilst the stop-order is in effect, the developer is prevented from making settlements with apartment buyers.
Units of this posh residential complex, found along Cooper Road Park on the former site of the Bellevue Hill Bowling Club, sold off a few years ago for $1.8 million (two-bedroom) $2.2 million (three-bedroom), and $4.5 million (penthouse). The Acre was planned for 27 units and four penthouses overlooking Cooper Park.
In May 2021, NSW Building Commissioner (NSWBC) David Chandler ordered the builder, Maryland Developments, to fix the issues after a routine audit. According to reports, the inspectors cited areas with serious defects that did not comply with the state’s building standards, such as the apartment’s waterproofing in the bathrooms and planter boxes, fire-safety systems, and the load-bearing component.
Highlights
- Building work for The Acre in Bellevue Hill has been temporarily stopped.
- Inspectors from the NSW Building Commissioner’s office found issues with the project during a routine audit.
- Maryland Developments was ordered to replace the builder and have six months to fix the issues.
The inspectors also found slabs of concrete covers that were insufficient and ineffective within the basement. There had exposed reinforced steel that could lead to corrosion and eventually compromise the building’s structural integrity.
Mr Chandler’s office stated that the stop-work order was necessary to prevent any unsupervised work whilst a replacement builder has to plan how to fix the issues and determine the scope of works.
The developer said that whilst the inspection was thorough, the issues seen were not “defects” but work that has yet to be completed. The NSWBC has given them six months to fix the issues.
Maryland Developments said that this should not impact the values of the apartments since the issues will be rectified. They said that they continue to receive enquiries and interest for the apartment.
The NSWBC said it will monitor The Acre. Its work is to ascertain that building issues are found and fixed before people move into the property.