Batavia Motor Inne owners work with Geraldton City council to obtain DA, despite alleged breach of demo order

The company which owns the derelict Batavia Motor Inne, a hotel which attracted criminal activity for years, is seeking approval to redevelop a building they were ordered to demolish by January. The eyesore was torn down in December last year, with demolition contractors removing all but one building, named Wing 6. Rubble and other remains are yet to be cleared from the site. A demolition order issued by the City of Greater Geraldton, which has now expired, required all buildings to be demolished. The city launched legal action against 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd following the alleged failure to comply with the demolition order. On Thursday, the company, co-directed by Joe Scaffidi — Perth property developer and husband of former City of Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi — and two others, said it was seeking approval for a development application and was investigating how to remove the rubble. “We are currently working with the council in relation to obtaining a DA for the remaining building structure,” owners 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd said. “In relation to the rubble a portion has already been removed, however in relation to the remaining rubble we are investigating opportunities to recycle this into road base or infill.” City CEO Ross McKim said the matter was still before the court, but confirmed the city was working with the directors to have the site cleared. “The city continues to work with the owners of 54 Fitzgerald Street to ensure that the site is cleared safely and with minimal inconvenience to the surrounding residents,” he said. The company previously issued a media release stating its intention to refurbish the building into an 18-apartment workers accommodation complex, operational by August. Next door neighbour and former City mayor Shane Van Styn said while he was glad to see the site demolished after 10 years, something needed to be done about the “maze of hollows” encouraging snakes, mice and other vermin. “Clearly now the rubble needs to be removed. It still remains an eyesore on the street,” he said. Mr Van Styn said he saw contractors cleaning out and installing doors on Wing 6 about two months ago. “I wouldn’t be surprised if those rooms are being reoccupied, although I haven’t seen any evidence of that yet, to be fair.” 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 4. Batavia Motor Inne was a hotspot for sex crimes, antisocial behaviour and other criminal activity for years after it was abandoned by previous owners.