ONE by one the old Shepparton Hotel goes down.
Some speculation over the responsibility of the demolition and the bill have arisen recently, as the building is quietly pulled back down to earth.
Business owner, David Parente from Selective Demolitions, said that the works have been commissioned and will be paid for by the owners of the property. David was contacted last year concerning the need to demolish what was left of the dilapidated hotel.
Last July, Council declared the Hotel a risk to life and property following reports that bricks were being removed from the internal walls. Since the building’s structural integrity was assessed, no effort was made to stabilise the façade on the roadside.
Throughout the demolition, WorkSafe and the Greater Shepparton City Council have been onsite to determine that the works are being done safely and time efficiently.
“It’s got to be one of the worst jobs we’ve ever done,” David said. “But I’ve always liked a bit of a challenge.”
Selective Demolitions have over 20 years’ experience. They were the company tasked with moving the grandstand at Shepparton Showgrounds some years ago.
“When I got the call about the job, I went out to the Hotel and had a look – I never take on a job the first day I see it. I slept on it, I came back, and I slept on it some more. A lot of people overthink these things, but we always find a way.”
“If the building were further from the road, it would take days to clear. But because the boundary is right on the roadside, we will pluck the bricks to the top of the first floor and then excavate the site.”
