By Deanne Jeffers
IT has been 15 years since the fire that destroyed the Shepparton Hotel ripped through the building, leaving ruins in its place and mixed feelings about the sight and heritage status of the building.
Since the electronic billboard was removed last week, additional fencing and hoardings have appeared indicating forthcoming works at the site.
The council confirmed in a statement that it had issued a 90-day demolition order for the building.
“An Emergency Order has been issued in accordance with the Building Act for full demolition of the Shepparton Hotel. Due to privacy reasons, council officers are unable to comment further at this stage,” the statement read.
Last July, Council declared the Shepparton Hotel as a risk to life and property after receiving reports from the public that bricks were being removed from the internal walls, compromising the building’s structural integrity.
After undergoing a structural assessment, the site was declared as dangerous. The council then set a deadline for urgent stablisation works to be completed to shore up the façade facing the roadside.
Since being assessed by a structural engineer, the owners have failed to undertake the necessary works, and the corner of Wyndham and High Streets has been closed off to pedestrians to protect their safety.
The controversial history of the Shepparton Hotel, the fire, its ties to disgraced councillor Milvan Muto, and the electronic sign, which has also caused controversy for the messages displayed, have long been a talking point for Shepparton, and there are no doubt mixed feelings as Council and the demolition company move to remove the derelict building.
