Let’s examine the evidence
Published 1 year, 1 month ago in Where I Live.Below is a quote from the decision of Des Eccles, the VCAT Commissioner, who approved Moreland Council’s order to demolish the entire Coburg High School building (this decision was against the recommendations of its’ own independent engineers,SKM.
The evidence of Mr Jones and Mr Bellasai was that the building is structurally unsound and a hazard to the public. As illustrated in part by a photograph taken from the building to the rear, very close to 100% of the roof of the 1915 building has collapsed, the floors at the upper level have collapsed, the southwest corner of the building is leaning, lintels above windows have collapsed, the eastern wall towards the southeast corner is leaning by approximately 30mm - 40mm, the west chimney is leaning by approximately 100 – 150mm, brickwork generally has probably been weakened by fire, and the footings at the front of the Moderne addition have collapsed, resulting in the dropping and bowing out of the northern wall and fracturing of brickwork. This bowing of the front wall, due to foundation failure, predated the 2005 fire. Mr Bellasai stated that his company recommended and then was responsible for installing the large steel beams which now shore up that wall. Both witnesses were of the view that the building is hazardous. Mr Bellasai said that he would not enter the building under any circumstance in its current condition. Mr Jones said that he might consider entering it if debris were removed and provided that it was a very still day. They both stated that if the building fabric were to be retained and/or utilised as part of a new development, which is what is desired by the Applicants for Review, it would need to be demolished and then rebuilt from the ground up. Both witnesses were adamant that in its current state the building is hazardous.
Why is the building still standing - 124 days after VCAT’s decision if it is SO unsafe???
10 Responses to “Let's examine the evidence”
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Seems as though there is more than meets the eye in Moreland. Surely after 11 years some level of government should do something other than give this developer everything they want.
There is always more than meets the eye in Moreland. But never over estimate the intelligence or ethics of the people making decsions at a local level. In most cases we are represented by dross.
Peter…put up or shut up!
I see the building in question had a few trucks in the property today - does that herald anything??
Well may we say “put up or shut up” but dont we really want to say: lets just give the site back to people and stop pandering to the pursuit of profit in all instances.
Peter - if you are so concerned about the owner not doing anything with the site why do you object to everything they propose thereby creating further delays?
By ‘people’ I presume you mean you?
The land was sold so that all Victorian’s could benefit from the additional revenue.
What is it with NIMBY’s like you who think that every piece of public land in their street is their defacto open space.
The school was owned by all Victorians so it is only appropriate that all Victorians profit from its sale…not just the residents of Rodda Street.
Or is it a case that you want a park in your street to increase the value of your own property?
The Moreland Open Space strategy does not identify Rodda Street or the surrounding area as being a priority area for new open space….or as being deficient in open space. Moreland city council should pursue a monetary open space contribution from the developers and spend it on open space in priority areas in the municipality.
Hey hey SB - you seem more interested in attacker the messenger than the message. Everyone is a NIMBY and I dont see the term as a pejorative, but keep banging away with it if you like. The issue in point is the continued support rendered to Tandos by Moreland Council over and above waht is fair and reasonable. My belief is that there is some very shady arrangements between Tandos and some councillors otherwise why has not one ALP counillor ever spoken out aginst the failure of the owner to build what he said he would.
Perhaps you can have a go at answering the question of this post??? why has Tandos not demolished the building? and perhaps have a go at this one: Why has not one ALP councillor spoken out against the current state of affairs?? it is not as though they could miss the site - it is directly opposite Counil offices - such a wonderful advertisement for Moreland aint it.
What difference will it make if an ALP Councillor says anything about the site?
They don’t own it and have no legal basis upon which to compel the owner to develop it!
No doubt in your green-socialist fantasy land the Council would operate their own secret police to make the bourgeoisie give up all private property which would be converted to communal permaculture gardens where we would all sit around weaving baskets!
How about you build you very own bridge and GET OVER IT!
Peter - I would like to say you are entitled to you beliefs but to air them on a public forum is tantamount to deformation and you should be very careful about what you say and about whom.