By NOEL MURPHY
PLANNING Minister Matthew Guy’s office has rejected a call for compulsory acquisition of the Ritz Falts for sale to someone willing to redevelop the site while protecting its heritage aspects.
The CFMEU’s Brendan Murphy told the Independent earlier this month that compulsorily acquiring the property would be “an appropriate move”.
But Mr Guy’s staff refused to be drawn on the call or any other possible options for protecting dilapidated heritage building.
“The Ritz Hotel (former Belle Vue Hotel) is registered on council’s Heritage Register (HO864). This was introduced by council via a planning scheme amendment process,” Mr Guy’s spokesperson, Rochelle Jackson, stated in an email to the Independent.
“The responsible authority is the Geelong council and all matters related to the retention/demolition of the building are best addressed to council.’’
Ms Jackson refused to comment on the phone to the Independent, insisting that questions were emailed.
The Independent subsequently emailed asking whether Mr Guy might investigate options such as compulsory acquisition or title sanctions on damaged heritage properties, which are in place for Penang’s UNESCO-listed Georgetown.
Ms Jackson did not comment on either matter or respond to a follow-up email on the matter.
The Ritz remains in limbo. Cracks that emerged recently in an adjoining wall have been fenced off following a City Hall emergency order.
