Construction headache in Chippendale

By Stephanie Tiller
Excessive construction noise at Central Park has forced local residents to leave their homes in an attempt to take respite.

Since construction started at Central Park in 2010, local residents have lived alongside heightened construction noise. Residents told City Hub noise levels have recently become unbearable.

Chippendale local Katherine Martin said construction noise levels have at their worst recently.

“I know the noise is worse now than it’s ever been. Not only are residents tired from having to put up with noise for the last five years, but now there seems to be a massive push from the developers to get the work done ASAP,” she said.

“There are no respite periods built into the development. What a massive oversight.”

Construction is currently taking place at Central Park on Block 8, bordered by O’Connor and Abercrombie Street and Block 11, bordered by Wellington, Kensington and O’Connor Street.

Catherine Capolupo, who lives behind the Block 11 construction site, said at times she had left her home due to invasive drilling.

“When the drilling was happening and they were knocking down walls I went and had to stay at my mothers house which is out west, just so I could get a few hours sleep.”

A local community group, who chose to remain anonymous, also expressed concerns to City Hub over the impact of construction fatigue on the local residents.

“This is construction fatigue, and Central Park has a series of buildings so its not just one building, but now the buildings are much closer to where the residents live so it’s all coming at once,” the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson from Frasers Property Australia, who are partnered with Sekisui House Australia in developing Central Park, said they were “aware of recent complaints that have been made”.

“The City of Sydney undertook an inspection of Central Park last week and found that all works are being undertaken in accordance with the planning approvals,” the spokesperson said.

Frasers Property Development Director for Central Park, Mick Caddey, said “We understand that an undertaking the scale of Central Park causes disruption to residents during construction”.

“This can be deeply frustrating for local residents even when best endeavours are made to minimise disruption and contractors are complying with Council conditions.”

City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott said she was concerned about “reports of excessive construction noise in Chippendale”.

“Residents should expect that issues regarding construction noise should be kept at reasonable levels throughout the day and night.”

A spokesperson from NSW Planning and Environment said they had received two complaints regarding Central Park and had doubled the number of compliance officers to deal with community complaints.