Residents have been banned from moving into Sydney’s Imperial Towers complex because of “serious defects”.

The 22-storey Imperial Tower complex on Hassall Street in Parramatta is now under a prohibition order that bans residents from moving in.

It was imposed after the NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler uncovered major issues with waterproofing, the buildings’ “load-bearing component” and fire safety.

Auditors found non-compliant structural steel junctions in the basement of the two towers, as well as inadequate fire safety systems that could increase the risk of fire spreading throughout the complex. There were also a range of drainage and ventilation issues with the cladding at the base of the walls and at the window and door openings.

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler said no one can move in until rectification works are carried out.

“I am satisfied that a serious defect in the building exists,” Mr Chandler said in the order. 

The order was issued to the developer, Hassall Developments, directed by Abbass Elzein.

The building was promoted to buyers as a  “dramatic architectural statement” featuring “flawless design and superior craftsmanship”. Apartment prices started at about $500,000. 

The latest order comes just weeks after the Commissioner revealed extensive signs of cracking in the basement of the Skyview apartment complex in Castle Hill, which had a similar order imposed on it.