Batavia Motor Inne directors say demolition is progressing despite Joe Scaffidi’s ill health and family focus

The directors of the derelict Batavia Motor Inne claim demolition is progressing despite part-owner Joe Scaffidi sending a key Perth business interest into the hands of administrators. It was revealed this week that Mr Scaffidi — the husband of disgraced ex-City of Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi — had brought in administrators to take control of City Central Pty Ltd, which owns two neighbouring hotels in Perth’s CBD worth about $50 million. The company behind the Batavia Motor Inne, 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd, told the Geraldton Guardian on Thursday that the Central City matter was an unrelated entity and “one has nothing to do with the other”. Mr Scaffidi is one of three directors of 54 Fitzgerald, which bought the Fitzgerald Street eyesore in 2021. Mr Scaffidi’s move to appoint KordaMentha’s Richard Tucker and John Bumbak to take control of Central City Pty Ltd last month has prompted concerns from City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, who lives next door to the motel, that demolition may not get off the ground. But the directors deny this is the case, stating: “Demolition is progressing and we are waiting for a revised demolition program from our preferred contractor”. Earlier this month it was revealed the owners’ preferred contractor did not have a suitable licence. Bunhu Mining Marine Civils and Construction has been chosen to undertake the demolition, however managing director Terry Danda admitted the company was having difficulty sourcing a supervisor with a class 1 licence in order to complete the works. The eyesore has been the scene of violent crimes, sex attacks, deliberately lit fires and antisocial behaviour, and has attracted dozens of rough sleepers, whom authorities have tried to find alternative accommodation for. However, even after the site has been fenced off and gates locked, people are still trespassing and police are still getting call-outs. A spokesperson for KordaMentha said Mr Scaffidi gave up the Perth asset due to a desire to focus on family and health issues. “He needed to get this project, which has been a lot of work for him and quite a bit of stress, out of his life,” he said. “I don’t think anyone’s ever retired completely these days but he certainly wants to wind down a lot because of his health.” Mr Van Styn said he hoped the remaining directors — some of whom were Mr Scaffidi’s family members — could see through completion of the demolition of the Batavia Motor Inne. “Joe Scaffidi has been at the front of negotiations and, indeed, legal actions on this project. To see him officially pulling back and announcing retirement due to health reasons causes great concern. However, we do wish him well,” he said.