Construction at the Crownview Apartments near Wollongong Hospital has been halted yet again, with the Building Commission renewing a stop work order for the third time. This decision follows ongoing concerns regarding serious structural defects that have rendered the apartments uninhabitable since their discovery.
The Building Commission first issued a stop work order in February 2024 after inspections revealed that unauthorized construction activities were occurring on-site. This order was renewed on February 28, 2025, highlighting ongoing issues at the property. The latest renewal was confirmed by James Sherrard, the current Building Commissioner, who noted that unauthorized building work was observed during an inspection on November 9, 2022.
In his official statement, Sherrard emphasized the need for the stop work order: “I am also aware that between that inspection and the first Stop Work Order being issued, further building works took place. I am therefore of the opinion that building work is likely to be carried out if not for the Stop Work Order.”
The ongoing issues have left buyers in a precarious situation. Many have struggled to reclaim their deposits after the defects were disclosed. However, following the intervention of former Building Commissioner David Chandler, all buyers have reportedly received refunds for their deposits.
At present, the site is subject to both a Prohibition Order and a Building Works Rectification Order. These measures aim to ensure no further unauthorized work continues while the developer seeks a qualified builder to undertake necessary remedial actions.
The stop work order does permit certain activities, including investigative professional engineering work and minor building work aimed at maintaining safety. A spokesperson from the Building Commission NSW stated, “The Stop Work Order was extended to ensure it remains current while the developer works to appoint a builder to undertake appropriate remedial work at the property.”
Despite these measures, the future of the Crownview site remains uncertain. Sources indicate that a complex engineering solution will be required to rectify the defects and ensure the safety of the building. As the situation develops, the Building Commission continues to collaborate with the developer and other relevant authorities to determine the best remediation pathways for the project.
The ongoing issues at the Crownview Apartments serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in the construction sector, particularly regarding compliance and safety standards. As the community watches closely, the outcome of this situation could significantly impact future developments in the region.
