National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Building Defects

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Building and construction expert David Chandler OAM has been appointed as the new NSW Building Commissioner.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the appointment of Mr Chandler was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to implementing the biggest overhaul to building laws in the State’s history.
“David has more than 40 years’ industry experience, which will be invaluable as we move to restore confidence in the building and construction industry,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know there are national challenges affecting the industry, but this new appointment will play a key role in protecting NSW homeowners and driving critical reforms.”
The Building Commissioner will be responsible for the investigation and disciplinary action for misconduct in the building industry while overseeing the end to end licensing and auditing across the building industry.
The Commissioner will also drive legislative reforms of the building industry, including consultation with industry.
This will include legislation to be introduced later this year requiring building practitioners to be registered, a new duty of care to make it easier for home owners to seek compensation against negligent building practitioners, and ensuring all buildings are designed and constructed to plans that comply with the Building Code of Australia.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the Building Commissioner’s priority will be to continue the extensive work that has already been started by the NSW Government to reform the building and construction industry.
“David will lead the implementation of this reform and will advise the Government on additional reforms that may be needed to ensure better protections for homeowners and purchasers, and lift building standards across NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Chandler has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Government to strengthen the building and construction industry.
“Recent events have reduced community confidence in how buildings are designed and constructed and how they perform, but I welcome the leadership and commitment being shown by the Government to implement change that will strengthen the construction industry foundations in NSW,” Mr Chandler said.
Mr Chandler will start in the position on 14 August 2019.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

David Chandler appointed NSW building commissioner

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The would-be residents of Sugarcane and Honeycomb, the uninhabitable Erskineville residential complexes built on possibly toxic land, likely face more months of being unable to access their dwellings.
The City of Sydney Council has concerns about the Chinese-backed developer, Golden Rain Development not meeting the required remediation conditions.
Buyers were told on their purchase to expect an April 2018 move-in date.
In February 2015 timeline expectations were as follows:
<ul>
<li>Demolition of existing industrial buildings on the site</li>
<li>Removal of trees</li>
<li>Construction of a multi-level apartment building with a two-level basement on the southern portion of the site (Sugarcube apartments)</li>
<li>Construction of 18, three-bedroom terrace development on the north portion of the site (Honeycombe Terraces)</li>
<li>Construction of new roads, pedestrian links and public domain works to be dedicated to Council</li>
</ul>
There are ongoing fears of contaminated groundwater on the former Monier roofing tiles site which had residue heavy metals, hydrocarbons and asbestos from its days as an industrial suburb.
Sydney Council confirmed that no final site contamination audit statement had been lodged.
"A private certifier issued the construction certificate to allow construction to proceed on the site despite not having received the final site audit statement," a SCC spokesperson said.
"City staff have been in ongoing discussions with the developer, who has not complied with the development consent conditions concerning remediation of the site."
It advised the developer has since provided further test results of the contaminants on the site and an assessment of the risk.
"Council is currently reviewing this material and is likely to seek some further information from the developer."
A spokesperson for Golden Rain Development said they "understood the delays have caused frustration."
It claimed the delays are due to requests by the City of Sydney relating to testing of groundwater near access roads and pedestrian walkways on the site.
"As Council will take ownership of these roads and walkways, it has asked for the additional testing before the final occupation certificate can be issued for the development."
"Golden Rain Development will continue to work with the City of Sydney to ensure Council is satisfied the site meets all health and safety requirements, and apartment owners can begin enjoying their new homes as soon as possible," the spokesperson said.
The City of Sydney approval came with a required $736,000 by the developer for a walkway.
The projects are within the Ashmore Precinct, one of the City of Sydney's biggest urban growth precincts.
The 17 hectare site, bounded by Ashmore Street, Mitchell Road, Coulson Street and the Bankstown railway line, is expected to have 6,000 residents by 2025.
A Sydney contamination auditor expects there will be a "long delay" for residents in getting into the upmarket projects where studio prices fetched $550,000 plus.
Industry experts have questioned how the project construction began without the necessary documentation in place.
"How did this build ever start in the first place?" a conveyancer said.
In NSW the management of contaminated land is “shared” by the Environment Protection Authority, the state Department of Planning and Environment and local councils.
Both projects were a finalist in "excellence in marketing" at the 2016 UDIA Awards.
The selling estate agents Colliers International declined to advise on the status of the sales contracts secured between 2015 and 2016, along with when the strata plan would be registered.
"All enquiries should be referred to Golden Rain Development," Colliers residential managing director Peter Chittenden said.
It is understood that some buyers have sought to terminate the sales contract and receive a refund of their deposit.
Nearby resales in other unaffected complex have shown no price growth over the past three years.
Golden Rain's ultimate owner is based in the British Virgin Islands.
One local director is 54 year old Bernard Chi, who has a 34th floor Bathurst Street, Sydney apartment. Another associated director is 55 year old Anne Bi, from West Pennant Hills.
The other directors give Hong Kong addresses.
A $1 million Sugarcube buyer Nick Rehac said he was "not allowed to stay here."
"We have no power," he told reporters as he stood in front of a fence preventing him to access the building.
"They took the money."
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Honeycomb and Sugarcube residents to wait on contaminant tests

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Off the plan Sugarcube-Honeycomb, Erskineville buyers have been locked out after contaminants fears.
They join other groups of residents also locked out of their Sydney apartments over safety concerns.
The 127 buyers secured apartments and terraces at Erskineville, in Sydney's inner-west through Ray White Project Sales Division and Colliers International
They were built on an old industrial estate contaminated with heavy metals, hydrocarbons and asbestos.
Sydney Council documents show construction approval for the <a href="http://www.sugarcubehoneycomb.com.au" target="_blank">Sugarcube Apartments and Honeycomb Terraces</a> was contingent on strict conditions for cleaning up the land and groundwater, involving accredited auditors.
The council said the buildings cannot be occupied because the developer did not comply with the conditions.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/19/Sugarcube-Honeycomb%20Erskineville%202.jpg" alt="">
<div class="_1665V undefined">
A City of Sydney spokesperson said the developer had “not complied with the development consent conditions concerning the remediation of the site”.
</div>
<div class="_1665V undefined">
The city was in “ongoing discussions” seeking a resolution with the developer, Golden Rain Development Pty Ltd.
“We understand this is a most frustrating situation for all terrace and apartment owners,” the City of Sydney spokesperson said.
</div>
The 109 Sugarcane apartments, and 18 Honeycomb terraces were built at the old Ashmore industrial estate.
When nearing completion pricing in Sugarcube was 1 bedroom for $665,000 with 2 bedrooms for $1,020,000 – $1,060,000.
The Sugarcane apartments were designed by DKO and built by Hamilton Marino.
The Metters Street and Coulson Street, Erskineville development was marketed as set to be ready to occupy in April 2018.
<div class="_1665V undefined">
Golden Rain Development has completed 30 projects across Asia with the Erskineville development promoted as its “flagship project” in Sydney.
</div>
<div class="_1665V undefined">
The buyers have taken to the City of Sydney’s social media pages to vent their frustrations about the “never-ending saga”.
Last week it was revealed that 30 loft-style apartments at 19 Gadigal Avenue in Zetland were <a href="/news/garland-lofts-zetland-apartment-block-in-secret-evacuation-last-year-due-to-building-defects">abandoned nine months ago</a> over severe water and fire safety defects.
Cracking also forced the evacuation of <a href="/news/no-definitive-cause-identified-but-opal-tower-is-structurally-sound-but-needs-significant-rectification">Sydney Olympic Park’s Opal Tower</a> on Christmas Eve last year and the <a href="/news/mascot-towers-residents-await-causes-of-cracking">Mascot Towers on Bourke Street, Mascot</a> last month.
</div>
 
<div class="_1665V undefined">
 
</div>
 
<h3> </h3>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

OTP Sugarcube-Honeycomb, Erskineville buyers locked out after contaminants fears

<html><body>
The owners corporation at the defect-ridden 19 Gadigal Avenue, Zetland apartment complex faces a legal action by the owner of the apartments below.
The apartments below allege nuisance and water seepage into its property at Gadigal Avenue.
Wolseley Grove Pty Ltd, which owns all of the apartments below at 6 Wolseley Grove, is suing 19 Gadigal in the NSW Supreme Court over the “creation of an unsafe environment”.
There is a directions hearing this week before Justice D Hammerschlag in the Supreme Court's construction list.
Owners in the beleaguered complex are likely to make submissions to a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the state’s building standards.
The inquiry, led by Greens MP David Shoebridge, will look at the role of private certification in protecting building standards, the adequacy of consumer protections for owners of new buildings, limitations on insurance and compensation schemes.
The NSW government has yet to appoint a building commissioner with the Premier saying an announcement was “imminent”.
“We’ve been working very hard on that matter and I’m hopeful by the end of the month, if not next month,” she told reporters on Sunday.
“It will be imminent, I imagine in the next few weeks.”
There was no funding of the commission in the recent state budget despite the commission being foreshadowed in February this year.
The residents of 19 Gadigal Avenue were <a href="/news/garland-lofts-zetland-apartment-block-in-secret-evacuation-last-year-due-to-building-defects">secretly evacuated last year</a> due to defects in the building, mainly water leakage.
 
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Defect-ridden Zetland apartment complex faces a legal action from apartments below

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The owners of the 30 evacuated Zetland apartment block are considering suing their former lawyers as they face a $5 million repair bill to fix the apartments that were evacuated last November.
The Sydney Morning Herald revealed the Chambers Russell law firm has advised them they have “reasonably good prospects” of running a negligence case against their former lawyers.
It was Makinson d’Apice who helped the owners corporation settle a $1.7 million insurance claim for waterproofing defects in last year on the condition that no further claims could be made against the insurer.
As the repair works were carried out, “critical” defects were then uncovered.
“We are already very concerned with the conduct of your former solicitors and a number of experts engaged,” said a position paper circulated by Chambers Russell.
It noted Makinson advised the owners corporation not to undertake temporary works that may well have prevented some of the very significant fire safety issues that now exist. Chambers Russell also noted the settlement had given “little” consideration to alternative accommodation costs and had compromised the owners’ ability to take action against other parties.
Makinson d'Apice partner Alex Kohn has denied the allegations and labelled them defamatory.
"They are unsubstantiated and if they ever mature into active claims against us, those assertions and allegations will be vigorously contested," Mr Kohn said.
Chambers has advised the strata apartment owners the law firm was prepared to run the Makinson case on a no-win no-fee basis.
Owners were briefed by Chambers at an information meeting conduced by the owners corporation.
 
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Garland Lofts, Zetland apartment evacuees consider legal action

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New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said the government wanted to assure everyone they know there is a problem with building regulation. 
"We know there's a gap in legislation. We allowed the industry to self-regulate and it hasn't worked," she told reporters on Wednesday.
"There are too many challenges, too many problems and that's why the government's moving to legislate."
 Berejiklian spoke after it was revealed that a Zetland apartment block had been evacuated late last year and has sat vacant for the last eight months.
The Garland Lofts complex, comprising 30 warehouse conversion-style apartments, had a number of problems, most notable the waterproofing issues.
Phillip Bartlett, one of the directors of the now liquidated developer Garland 204 Pty Ltd, noted in an issued statement that "an insurance claim was settled."
"I have a legal obligation to comply with the insurers’ requirements," Bartlett continued.
"There were a number of parties involved and I am unable to make any further comment."
The SMH reported today in 2011, the owners' corporation launched a claim against the builder, Garland Builders Pty Ltd, and the joint developers of the project, Garland 204 Pty Ltd and Garland 204 Retail Pty Ltd.
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They settled an insurance claim in March 2018 for $1.7 million, on the condition the insurance company was released from all further liability.
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A few months later a contractor embarked on $1.2 million worth of repairs, but in August 2018 owners received a letter advising "unanticipated structural and fire defects" had been discovered by the contractor.
In October the new law firm acting for the owners' corporation, Chambers Russell, circulated a letter calling for the "urgent" evacuation of the building which happened in November.
Water damage had "significantly compromised" the corridor and the separations between units, essential for fireproofing the building.
"The structural integrity of the building has also been brought into question," the letter said.
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"Significant timber decay and steel corrosion may result in premature structural collapse in the event of fire.
<p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen-6236702_632="1562803658255" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-6236702_632="1562803658255" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-6236702_632="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-6236702_632="1">"Experts have unequivocally stated the strata scheme is not suitable for habitation in its current state as it poses a serious risk to the health and safety of all occupants."
At an information night, residents were told that with the newly discovered defects was "likely to be in excess of $5,000,000 and potentially substantially more".
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Gladys Berejiklian says the government 'know there's a problem' around building regulations

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An apartment block in Zetland has been vacant for eight months after residents were evacuated in late 2018 due to building defects emanating from a leaking roof.
The Garland Lofts apartment complex at 19 Gadigal Avenue in Zetland was vacated in late 2018, just before the Opal Tower disaster over Christmas.
The building, made up of 30 warehouse conversion-style apartments, was inspected in February this year by staff of the City of Sydney who said it had "extensive and severe water damage."
“The water damage caused the failure of the internal fire-rated construction throughout several apartments," a City of Sydney spokesman told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"The fire-rated construction is required to separate individual apartments and common areas during a fire."
Much like the Mascot Towers, the Garland Lofts, Zetland building was constructed in 2009, meaning owners are not protected by the five year building insurance guarantee following its construction.
The block was built by a company called Garland 204 Pty Ltd, who went into creditors voluntary liquidation in 2014.
The company was directed by Phillip Bartlett.
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The SMH reported on its front page that there had been "ongoing litigation between multiple parties over defects." The Herald stressed it did not seek to attribute responsibility to any particular party. Garland Loft two bedrooms apartments were initially priced from $385,000.
There hasn't been a sale in the complex since 2017 when a one bedder sold for $650,000.
It was the fifth purchase in the block however for developer AIL Property Group who have laid out $3.075 million on the five units.
Building defects being noticed in a number of apartment complexes are now starting to become a weekly update across Sydney.
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Last week cracks appeared in Clemton Park Village in Campsie which has <a href="/news/cracks-see-frasers-property-clemton-park-village-caught-up-in-widening-apartment-building-defect-calamity">support barriers installed in the car park</a>.
Opal Tower residents were <a href="/news/no-definitive-cause-identified-but-opal-tower-is-structurally-sound-but-needs-significant-rectification">evacuated over the Christmas period last year</a> as the building started cracking, while the most recent case of <a href="/news/mascot-towers-residents-await-causes-of-cracking">evacuations was at Mascot Towers</a> where the building has been described as 'sinking.'
During the 2008 marketing of the Zetland apartments, the managing director of estate agents CBRE David Milton, noted to the SMH that professionals and first-home buyers were increasingly eyeing the town centre and its immediate environs.
"What would people choose: an affordable new unit with a lot of space and a big balcony with well-planned inside-outside living, or a tiny unit in a 40-year-old crumbling block that needs a lot of work in the eastern suburbs?" asked Milton.
"We're finding a lot of people are coming here out of the eastern suburbs. The future is very, very positive."
 
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