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Reprieve For Criterion Hotel Verandah

After two years of negotiations, the Criterion Hotel verandah is to be repaired to its original condition.

By Wellington Shire Council - 26th September 2003 - Back to News

The Victorian Building Appeals Board has given the Melbourne-based owners until May next year to complete repair and replacement works so that the verandah is safe and to the satisfaction of Wellington Shire Council and Heritage Victoria.

Council had formerly determined the veranda was unsafe, and after issuing several Emergency and Building Orders only minor remedial works had been undertaken. With the veranda remaining in an unsightly, unsafe condition Council was obligated under legislation to take further action to protect public safety. In August Council issued a building order to remove the veranda.

The owners appealed the Order and it was removed by the Building Appeals Board on 4 September, on condition that temporary safety features be in place by 9 September and that all repair and replacement works are completed by 30 May 2004.

Wellington Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb said Council was pleased with the outcome.

"This is really what we’ve been trying to achieve for the past two years," he said.

"Our intention was never to force the removal of the veranda, which has heritage value.

"But we do have a responsibility to ensure protection of our community.

"We are pleased that the owners of the Criterion Hotel have followed the issue through and that they are now prepared to take measures to protect the public."

The Appeals Board determined that the owner must obtain an Engineers report by the end of this week (25 September) to design a method of protecting the public by erecting temporary safety barricades or hoardings until the main building work is complete. These temporary safety features are to be in place by October 9.

Mr Webb said "This is a great outcome for Council and the community."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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