15 August, 2025
From Risk to Relief: How Amity Saved Pakington Street from a Costly Cladding Replacement
How we saved Pakington Street owners up to $260,000 on cladding works — without replacing a single panel.
When Amity took over management of the Pakington Street, St Kilda property in 2023, the building came with baggage — a Building Notice issued back in September 2021 for combustible cladding.
At first glance, the path forward seemed obvious but expensive: full cladding replacement.
The Challenge
Initial quotes from specialist contractors painted a daunting picture:
$260,000 – Contractor 1
$203,000 – Contractor 2
$196,000 – Contractor 3
For owners, that meant a significant financial hit. For residents, it meant months of disruption.
A Turning Point
In 2023, a change in the Minister’s guidelines introduced a new Cladding Mitigation Framework — a chance for certain properties to prove they could remain safe without replacing all their cladding.
Amity saw the opportunity and moved fast.
We:
Engaged with Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) and the Port Phillip City Council
Presented detailed evidence showing the building’s low-risk status
Navigated the waiver application process on behalf of owners
The Result
On 2 April 2025, CSV formally ruled the building as low risk, granting a full exemption from cladding replacement.
No removal. No massive construction bill. No months of noise and disruption.
The Impact
This decision avoided up to $260,000 in costs and gave owners peace of mind that safety and compliance were fully met — without unnecessary works.