In the interests of public safety, the City of Greater Geelong is stepping in to carry out the demolition of Belchers Corner building in central Geelong.
The City has notified the administrator appointed to the owners' corporation that due to continued breaches of the Emergency Order and to maintain public safety, the City will be taking over control of the site.
Works are scheduled to start Sunday 12 January 2020 with securing of the immediate area prior to the actual demolition commencing shortly after.
According to a report from independent civil engineers, the building is currently being held stable by the temporary measures in place, and does not pose an immediate safety risk to the community.
However, it remains unable to be occupied or restored due to the severe concrete cancer running through the entire building.
Engineers will continue to monitor the site over the next month as preparations begin for demolition.
The demolition will take approximately 12 to 14 weeks, with works expected to be completed by the end of April 2020.
Traffic management will be in place during the works, including partial road closures on Ryrie and Moorabool streets. Through-traffic will be maintained at all times.
Once complete, the site will be a flat gravel area with secure fencing. The vacant lot will remain the property of the owners' corporation.
The City continues to investigate all options for recouping the costs it has and will continue to expend in discharging its responsibilities to maintain public health and safety, including pursuing civil and criminal proceedings.
The following comments are to be attributed to City of Greater Geelong Director Planning, Design and Development Gareth Smith:
It is disappointing that the owners of the Belchers Corner building have been unable to comply with the emergency orders placed on this property.In light of the continuing breaches, the City has stepped in to protect the safety of the community and move the city forward. Public safety continues to be our number one priority.
The City will seek to recoup the stabilisation and demolition costs from the owners' corporation.
We will continue to provide updates about any impacts on public areas during the works, including footpath and road access. We have commenced communications with the owners' corporation through the appointed administrator and are communicating directly with traders surrounding the site.
We are keen to see this matter resolved and look forward to future possibilities for the site.
