Crown Gardens is now in its 8th year and its reputation as one of Sydney’s premier residential buildings continues to grow.

The Executive Committee is charged with administering the efficient functioning of the building and the levies collected.

At this time in the building’s life it is important that maintenance programs are implemented to preserve the quality of the building, its appearance and the safe and efficient function of its internal operation.

These programs are timely and necessary and are all costed into levies and the sinking funds.

Building Painting

The building needs painting and this is no small task.

The majority of the work will take 5 months and begin Sept/Oct 2003 at a total cost of $545,000.

The approved contractor is “Programmed Maintenance Services”.

Our arrangement with PMS is that the cost will be spread over 6 years @ $90,000 per annum, including an annual CPI increase of about 3%.

This allows the cost to be spread over the budgeted period against the sinking fund and    includes maintenance

Domestic Sprinkler & Water Tanks

Structural deficiencies have been located in the tanks feeding the sprinkler system this was repaired as a matter of urgency to overcome an unacceptable risk of failure. Cost $55,000.

Building Equipment

The hydraulic systems throughout the building are now all working correctly, including the operation of the boiler and pressure systems.

Much of the Equipment was found to be either not working at all, or set-up or operating incorrectly. All major facilities will now be maintained on a regular basis with service contracts in place to assure their continued efficient operation, minimising cost and disruption to the building services.

Waterproofing

Many changes have been made to the building plant room to prevent both noise and water penetration to residential floors below. Areas of the service yard, car park and storage areas have now also been waterproofed for their future performance.

Pool Filtration

In the last year the pool filtration system was upgraded with the removal of 2 non-operating filters and two damaged filters. The pool equipment area was waterproofed to prevent leakage into the main electrical room.

Irrigation

For the past few years the tiles in the garden courtyard have suffered from water damage. This was been determined to be broken irrigation lines under the tiled areas.   The problem has been fixed.

Defects

Defect repairs have commenced on Townhouse Units. Swimming pool repairs will commence in early October. The application to the Dept of Fair Trading commenced in 1998 and have now been resolved with the repairs being funded by this action.

For some time the security system has been under critical review, with the desire to bring the integrity of the system up to best standards. After careful investigation new security initiatives have been introduced.  These include state-of the-art video surveillance system including 16 new colour digital cameras, perimeter beams and digital recording.

Car park exit

An intercom has been installed at the car park exit enabling residents to control visitor’s departure from the car park.

Community Room

A new intercom has been installed in the Community Room and new locks fitted.

Security Review

Over 300 ex-residents access cards have been deleted from the system since 13.5.02 and car park levels have been programmed to restrict access to card holders. All building service keys have been recorded and reconfigured.

Concierge

The concierge desk is now manned on a 24 hour basis to improve security and service with a small incremental cost.

The desk has now been installed with a “hold up” button which directly alerts police for prompt attendance.

Car park Gates

These have been reconfigured to reduce damage and the break-downs we have seen over the years. Cost: $1,800. This should minimise maintenance costs.

Energy Saving Initiatives

The installations of lower wattage globes and transformers have been installed throughout common areas of the building reducing the overall monthly cost although more equipment is running than ever before.

Lighting Upgrade

Lights for the exterior of the building have been upgraded and extra fittings installed around the perimeter of Crown gardens to increase both the aesthetics and safety of the building.

Refurbishment

Ground floor and Level 1 foyers have been repainted and Perspex protective angles fitted to corners to reduce future damage.

Electricity Supply

A 5 year contract with a marginal, but acceptable increase in rates has been signed with Energy Australia.

Web site – www.crowngardens.com.au

We now have our own web site to help residents and potential buyers understand how the building operates, its facilities and services available, including Executive Committee Minutes. We have already had excellent feedback from owners and real estate agents.

The web site provides an excellent service to owners and residents and helps promote Crown Gardens as one of Sydney’s premier buildings.  Please make use of this valuable facility.

Businesses wishing to post information on the site are invited to apply via the web site. The Building Manager can provide details regarding costs and charges.

Digital Television

Crown Gardens now has digital television capability with new antennas and boosted signals to all apartments.

Gym Equipment

A review of the Gym equipment has been completed.  New gym equipment has been installed and old defective gear has been replaced.

Find out more about your home, Crown Gardens, visit your web site, contribute to it and enjoy living in one of the best buildings in the living city. The Owners Corporation invites any comments to be forwarded to the building manager via email at buildingmanager@crowngardens.com.au or by fax on (02) 9360 3152.

If any further information is required please contact the building manager on (02) 9360 7003.