Letter circulating reportedly states demolition date for Geraldton’s Batavia Motor Inne as September 15

A letter circulating in the neighbourhood has seemingly put weary minds at ease, appearing to indicate a date to start the demolition of eyesore and crime magnet, the Batavia Motor Inne. It’s understood the letter from the owners of the site turned up in neighbouring letterboxes this week, stating the derelict building on Fitzgerald Street would be torn down from September 15. A nearby resident alleged the owners were still finalising approvals, but once they were received, they would be able to demolish the site. The Batavia Motor Inne became abandoned at some point in the late 2000s and had been a spot for the city’s homeless to find shelter and has been the scene of sex attacks and other violent crimes in recent times. Authorities have tried to move on rough sleepers, after the owners fenced off the site earlier this year. The City of Greater Geraldton has been calling for the building to be demolished since 2014 and have previously resorted to legal action. The owners of the site 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd, including Joe Scaffidi, the developer husband of former Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, have revealed plans for an office and retail hub to built on the 10,500sqm plot of prime real estate. The owners’ preferred contractor — who the Guardian revealed in July did not have the suitable commercial demolition licence — declined to comment on whether the date was correct. The owners have been contacted for comment.