Opal Tower (Sydney)

The Opal Tower is a 36-story residential apartment building located in Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia. Constructed by Icon Co and designed by WSP Group and engineered by Arcadis, it was completed in 2018. Shortly after its completion, on December 24, 2018, residents were evacuated due to significant cracking and movement in the structure.

The incident prompted widespread concern and investigations into the building's structural integrity and construction practices. These investigations revealed design and construction flaws, including issues with the load-bearing capacity of hob beams and other structural elements. The evacuation affected hundreds of residents, and a lengthy process of investigation, remediation, and legal proceedings ensued.

Following the incident, the New South Wales government implemented reforms to building regulations and oversight to address concerns about construction standards and accountability. The Opal Tower remains a significant case study in the scrutiny of high-rise building construction and certification processes in Australia. Repair work was extensive, and residents were gradually allowed to return to the building.