Final works for Belcher demolition

Belchers Corner is set for demolition in early 2019 with council-employed contractors to begin the final stage of stabilisation works next Tuesday.

Geelong’s council expected the works to be complete in two weeks, allowing for the demolition of the historic 92-year-old building.

Council planning director Gareth Smith said the works would ensure Belchers Corner building was “no longer at imminent risk of collapse”.

“It is important that this demolition takes place as efficiently as possible, while protecting the community’s safety at all times.”

Lane closures will be in place on Ryrie Street early Tuesday morning for trucks to pour sand and concrete into the basement of the building.

Partial closures would remain in place during the works but council expected to reopen the affected lanes at 9am each day to minimise disruption to traffic.

Council representatives would meet with an administrator acting on behalf of the Belchers Corner Owners Corporation to finalise plans for demolition, Mr Smith said.

“These plans must be approved by independent civil engineers and the city’s municipal building surveyor.

“We will continue to communicate directly with surrounding businesses impacted by these works.”

Contractors recently completed above-ground works, including the shoring up walls.

Severe concrete cancer forced the closure of the building in July, putting some of its owners out of business.