Batavia Motor Inne: Video captures squatters having a disco at derelict Geraldton building set for demolition

Calls for the demolition of the Batavia Motor Inne have risen to a crescendo following a video that captures disco lights blaring from the top floor of the ruined site. It comes as no bulldozers were in sight that day at the eyesore and crime magnet, when it was proposed to be demolished by the lot’s new owners, who have remained silent. A video posted to social media on Friday shows multicoloured flashing lights on the top storey of the abandoned Fitzgerald Street building, known for being a place for the homeless community to squat. On September 12, a resident was eating dinner at the Geraldton Hotel when he noticed the top floor of the abandoned motel was lit with disco lights, about 7.30pm. The building was fenced off in January in a bid to secure the site. Electricity was cut off at the site in May, giving the owners the final go-ahead to tear down the site. A letter circulating in the neighbourhood informing residents demolition would start from September 15 seems to have fallen short following a lack of action. Next-door neighbour and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he had seen a contracted vehicle at the site, and although it was a small sign of action, “any movement is good movement”. “For many years there’s been discos and parties held in and around that building,” he said. “I personally saw that party kick off during the day. I just hope everyone is safely removed from the building before demolition. “All I heard was loud music and people singing and dancing, unlike earlier times. I didn’t hear any indication of violence. “I’m hoping it’s the last hoorah before demolition.” Homelessness service Regional Alliance West operations manager Chris Gabelish said he wasn’t aware of the incident but it was particularly concerning if people were accessing power at the site. “The fencing was never going to be anymore than a short term solution until the building is demolished,” he said. “Pretty clearly, the longer the building isn’t demolished, the more people know it’s accessible. If someone wants a roof over their head for the night, it’s available. “We know that it’s structurally unsafe and we wish the proponents would get on with demolishing it.” Geraldton Police OIC Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said although no reports had been made regarding the trespassing, it was sad to see people continue squatting at the site. “It’s disappointing trespassing continues at the Batavia Motor Inne despite fencing being erected many months ago. Police continue to work with local services to assist those sleeping rough in Geraldton,” he said. He confirmed police were not actively patrolling the area, however attended if and when required. On Thursday morning, the day before the proposed demolition, a car from the construction company linked to the project was in the driveway of the property, suggesting progress towards D-day. But as of Friday, there has been no activity at the site. Bunhu Mining Marine Civils and Construction has been contracted to undertake the demolition and was not willing to comment. The Batavia was abandoned in the late 2000s and has been a spot for the city’s homeless to find shelter and the scene of sex attacks and other violent crimes in recent years. Owners purchased the property for $572,000 in September 2021 including part owner, Joe Scaffidi, the husband of former City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi. Mr Scaffidi declined to comment.