The following comments can be attributed to Director Planning, Design and Development Gareth Smith:
Has a demolition date been set?
No date has been set for the demolition. The timeline for demolition is required to be outlined in the plans developed by the administrator.
Has any progress been made by the administrator in formulating a plan for the demolition of Belcher's corner?
We are yet to receive a demolition plan from the administrator of the Belchers corner building.The demolition order is still in place and we are continuing to impress upon the administrator the importance of these works progressing and in maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Will council seek compensation from the owners of the building for maintenance costs racked up while waiting for the administrator's decision?
We share the community's frustration with the apparent lack of action on this site.The City is investigating all options available, including those to ensure there is progress.
We continue to monitor the situation to ensure safety is always maintained on the site.
Could council step in and demolish Belcher's Corner itself if a demolition plan is not delivered? Has this been considered?
Under section 121 of the Building Act (1993), if an owner fails to carry out work as required by an emergency order or building order, the Municipal Building Surveyor may step in to undertake the works.The City continues to impress upon the administrator the importance of these works progressing and in maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Public safety remains our number one priority, and the City will not hesitate to take action to
prevent any unreasonable risk to the community.
