Belchers delay hurts traders
THE million-dollar demolition of Belchers Corner is continuing past its original deadline with completion now expected by late July because further building problems have left crews with more work.
Demolition crews employed by Geelong council are reinforcing the boundary wall between Belchers Corner and the adjoining building facing on Moorabool Street by bracing the front parapet of the building.
The delay to the demolition, initially due to be completed by March, has prompted one Moorabool St business owner to call for council rates of affected business owners to be paused until trade can return to normal.
Little India Gift Shop owner Hilal Shoda, who has lost $8000 in the first three months of this year, said a 10 per cent rates discount wasn’t enough.
“With the situation I don’t think we should have to pay,” Mr Shoda said. “I’ve been closed due to coronavirus since March 23. I don’t want to stop my business because I’ve got a lease for three years.
“I’ve tried to reopen in the past week but it’s not worth it. Sometimes not even one person comes into the store.”
Geelong council planning director Gareth Smith said the demolition was complex and needed traffic measures in place to ensure safety.
“This is a complex demolition; manually starting from the top of the parapets and working methodically down to ground level. “In order to protect public safety and allow site access, traffic measures will stay in place until the demolition is complete. Public safety must remain our number-one priority.”
Council has stepped in to demolish the building on behalf of its owners corporation.
Mr Smith said the demolition process had uncovered a building structure that differed to initial expectations and historical plans. “This has caused significant delays as additional safety and support measures are required and demolition plans have had to change,” Mr Smith said.
“Work is currently focused on structurally reinforcing the boundary wall between Belchers Corner building and the adjoining Belchers building on Moorabool Street.
“This involves installing additional bracing for the front parapet of the building, which was relying on this wall for support. We have contacted all impacted business owners directly to inform them of the new anticipated completion date.”
Mr Smith said demolition had begun on the upper facade and was expected to be completed in two weeks.
“Some internal walls are still in place as they provide support for the first floor. The internal walls will be demolished in a sequence that ensures the safety of the demolition workers is maintained,” he said.
Mr Smith said workers had been at the site for six days a week most weeks during the two months.
“We have reduced the number of workers on site to ensure compliance with COVID-19 regulations have been met. Apart from these measures, the COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly impacted the demolition progress,” he said.
About 800 tonnes of rubble is expected to be removed from Belchers Corner during the demolition.