Two images of an apartment complex in central Wollongong nearing completion, compared to its initial design concept, have sparked a major debate over buying off the plan.
Parq on Flinders is marketed as a 'gateway' apartment building for the city, boasting as a key selling point, "bold architectural design and fine craftsmanship".
But the resulting building as it nears completion has left many casual viewers, as well as unit owners, concerned at the apparent gap between promise and reality.
Colliers International Managing Director, Simon Kirsten said the 224-unit, eight-storey apartment block is not yet completed, so should not be criticised for failing to meet expectations.
"So you need to remember those artists impressions are about five years old and they were done off drawings that were done when we lodged the development application," he said.
"After the Development Application comes a Construction Certificate, and after that they build it, so things get changed slightly along the way."
Changing things slightly along the way can including shrinking the floor space, changing the internal colour scheme and moving your designated car space.
In this case all are allowable in the contract the purchaser agrees to, so it is important to read the fine print.
A surprise for new owners
One of the unit owners, Alvin Ceccoli managed to get an early inspection of his unit and was a but surprised at what he saw.
"The colours are a little bit not expected compared to what we thought they would be," he said.
Mr Ceccoli thought they would be white or light, bright colours in keeping with the display unit.
"We have got khaki with chocolate brown bench tops and we are not happy at all," he said.
"Also we have noticed differences in the size of the internal living areas."
Rough measurements show the floor space is smaller.
Mr Ceccoli also said the shimmery colours displayed in concept diagrams for the exterior do not look so shimmery in real life.
"They are a little bit dull," he said.
Another unit owner, who didn't want to be identified, found despite expectations there was no shade on the outside balcony, so is negotiating alterations.
"It hasn't been a great experience and I wouldn't recommend buying off the plan to anybody," the unit owner said.
'Out of council's hands'
For Wollongong Council, who approved the apartments, as long as they comply with the approved plans, the final look is up to the developers.
"It's the outcome of a lot of work over years, but at the same time the original concepts that were touted are vastly different from what we have there at the present time," Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
"And I'm not necessarily saying that is a negative.
"You need to remember that council, after a certain level of planning, has nothing to do with it, it's taken out of our hands."
'We said no'
Meanwhile onlookers have chipped in with various views on the ABC Illawarra Facebook page.
"We looked at one but when we were told we could make no changes to the bland interior design, we said no," wrote Ian Steen.
"I create [concept designs] all the time," Jesse Symons said.
"The designer had a grand idea, but the budget probably didn't match."
"It's sad but you get what you can afford."
