CLOSURES AWAIT SAFETY CHECK
A HISTORIC building, supported by emergency props, must pass a vital inspection before it can be reopened.
Belcher’s Corner, home to several businesses, was dramatically blocked off on Monday night after engineers found “severe concrete cancer” had compromised the integrity of the building’s supporting pylons.
City of Greater Geelong director of planning and development Joanna Van Slageren said builders were installing props at the building late yesterday afternoon. Once the props were installed, emergency work could be completed.
“Once the work is completed, the building will be inspected. This is hoped to take place tomorrow,” Ms Van Slageren said.
The building’s tenants have been locked out of the building since 11pm Monday and initially believed they would be able to return by Tuesday.
But the council confirmed no one would be allowed to enter the site until the building inspection was completed.
“Overnight monitoring by our building services team showed no movement in the structure,” Ms Van Slageren said.
Once the building is declared safe, the surrounding exclusion zone will be removed.
Until then, the eastbound section of Ryrie St, and the northbound section of Moorabool St adjoining the corner site, will remain closed to traffic and pedestrians.
“The City apologises for this inconvenience, but public safety remains our number one concern,” Ms Van Slageren said.