Work starts on Bacchus leak problems

Fixing Bacchus is costing millions. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Teak Construction is working on the leaky 51-unit Bacchus apartments and retail block on the North Shore.

The luxury $6 million Browns Bay block, not far from the waterfront, suffered extensive problems after Multiplex Constructions (NZ) built it.

The multi-level block with penthouse suites on the top floor has been tested for moisture with numerous plugged holes and pieces of cladding cut off and replaced on balconies.

Now, the entire complex is covered in scaffolding and sheets to keep the weather out as multimillion-dollar repairs are carried out.

Before work started, retail units were being advertised with no mention of weathertightness issues.

One owner described the situation as "a disaster because most of the people are almost retired" and they thought Bacchus was low-maintenance. They are paying thousands of dollars to fix their apartments.

At the time Bacchus was being marketed around 2003, agents were calling the place "luxury, low-maintenance living close to the beach and amenities with lift access to all levels and undercover parking".