The City has filed prosecution proceedings in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria against the Owners Corporation of the Belchers Corner buildings.
The prosecution proceedings have been issued against the Owners Corporation under the Building Act 1993 for failing to comply with Emergency Orders issued by the Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS).
The City has attempted to ensure compliance with the demolition Emergency Order via numerous meetings with the Administrator of the Owners Corporation.
No tangible progress to comply with the Emergency Order and demolish the Belchers Corner building has been made by the Owners Corporation.
The court has set down a first mention hearing for Wednesday 20 November.
The MBS issued an Emergency Order for the demolition of the Belchers Corner building on 7 September 2018.
Another Emergency Order was issued on 6 November 2018, requiring immediate works to stabilise the building, which is situated on the corner of Moorabool and Ryrie streets.
When the owners of the building were unable to comply with the November order, the City undertook the stabilisation works in the interests of public safety.
The works were completed by the City prior to Christmas 2018, and the building was assessed as stable by independent civil engineers.
The cost to the City to date for stabilising the Belchers building is about $1.3 million.
The City has also initiated debt recovery against the Owners Corporation for the cost of works undertaken by the MBS.
Director Planning, Design and Development Gareth Smith
The City identified the risks posed by Belchers Corner building and took the necessary steps to protect public safety by issuing emergency orders. However, the Owners Corporation has failed to comply with those orders and the City has borne the costs of works to ensure the building does not pose a risk to the community.
Owners are responsible for the proper upkeep of their buildings. Those owners who fail to comply with orders to protect the public will be held to account.
