Three-decade Ritz battle set for court ‘showdown’

A solution to Geelong’s Ritz eyesore could emerge after City Hall toughened up its strategy to force the owner into action on the dilapidated building.
The City will drag Tim Truong into court this month after issuing numerous infringement notices against the building which has been left disused opposite the city’s waterfront at 10 Bellerine Street for more than 30 years.
City planning boss Peter Bettess confirmed the court showdown.
“The Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law has provision to deal with dilapidated buildings and lists a range of criteria that determine a building to be dilapidated.
“With respect to the Ritz building, 16 infringement notices have been issued against the proprietor and a Magistrate Court hearing has been listed for 26 July 2016 to prosecute such matters,” Mr Bettess said.
The action against the Ritz Flats could be a precursor to a wider crackdown on dilapidated buildings around Geelong, he warned.
“Council’s building and environmental health staff have also been investigating several other properties that are allegedly dilapidated with the owners and/or developers, with a view of addressing certain local law and building compliance matters.
“As these are pending investigations, council is not permitted to disclose any further information about such properties or buildings,” Mr Bettess said.
Mr Truong has flagged redevelopment for the Ritz several times since 1984 but has failed to deliver any of his plans.
The CFMEU suggested compulsory acquisition of the heritage building in 2013.
Mr Truong put the building up for sale in 2014 with a price range of $3 million to $7 million but was unable to find a buyer.
The 1548-square-metre property opened as the Belle Vue Hotel in 1853.
The Indy was unable to gain comment from Mr Truong.