The following comments are attributed to Greater Geelong Director Planning, Design & Development Gareth Smith:
Due to the risk to public safety, the City of Greater Geelong stepped in to carry out the demolition of Belchers Corner building. We took over control of the site following continued breaches of the Emergency Order by the owners corporation. The City will return the site to the owners corporation once we have made it safe.
Provision of access to the remaining two buildings, including Hopetoun Chambers’ upper level, is the responsibility of the owners corporation. It is not appropriate for the City to fund such works to private property at the cost of the broader community. The City has previously informed the owners corporation of their responsibilities in relation to this matter. We are seeking to recoup stabilisation and demolition costs from the owners corporation.
