A high-rise student accommodation building in Brisbane's CBD has finally opened, nearly three months after certification was refused due to fire safety concerns.
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The 23-storey Iglu Brisbane on Mary Street was due to open in January, but the state government refused to allow occupation because "non-conforming building products" had been used in its external cladding.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service had raised concerns the cladding presented a fire risk and would put the building's occupants in danger.
But a Building and Development Resolution Committee review into the Alubond material gave it the tick of approval in February.
The first 250 students, from more than 20 countries, moved into Iglu over the weekend.
Iglu director Jonathan Gliksten said the company paid for alternative accommodation for its tenants while it waited for the government's green light.
"We understand that the Queensland government needs to ensure the safety of buildings, but we were disappointed with the length of time the process took," he said.
"The lengthy process and the uncertainty we have endured highlights a broader industry issue and the need for national standards and a clear and efficient process."
Mr Gliksten said the certification was denied despite multiple independent safety experts signing off on the building.
"We have always known that our building complied with National Construction Code and are absolutely confident in the quality and safety standard of the building materials used," he said.
"This is a wonderful building in terms of quality, safety, design and facilities.
"We're pleased to have confirmed this beyond doubt so Iglu can get back to doing what we do best, giving our residents a great student experience, in one of Australia's great cities for students."
Central to the Building and Development Resolution Committee's decision was a video by assessor Exova Warringtonfire, which tested the Alubond to British standards.
"The QFES, after reviewing the video of the test, were concerned that the cladding did in fact flame and molten material was seen falling to the ground," BDRC chair Danyelle Kelson says in the committee's published decision.
"The committee has viewed the video.
"It does not appear that the flaming was the result of the cladding catching fire and spreading up the façade, as suggested by the QFES, but rather the fire source itself."
The BDRC said it was satisfied Alubond was "at least equivalent to a 'deemed to satisfy' material applied in the same location".
A Department of Housing and Public Works spokesman said the BDRC's decision meant the building could be inhabited.
Mr Gliksten said he was excited to welcome residents to the building, which he said boosted Brisbane's appeal as a student living destination.
"Iglu Brisbane City provides residents with high quality communal areas including a gym, games areas, a cinema room, and an outdoor entertainment as well as regular community events," he said.
"Our residents don't just get a great place to stay, but a thriving student community to be part of."
