Michaela Meade
A historic Westmeadows bluestone building has been “left to rot”, according to the community.
A building proposal for a residential hotel at 11-17 Ardlie Street, Westmeadows, which included partial demolition and works within a heritage overlay, was refused by Hume council in April.
The proposal was met with 252 objections from residents, including a petition with 679 signatures.
The developers have lodged an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with a compulsory conference scheduled for Tuesday, September 14.
Residents say that the building is now the subject of vandalism.
Westmeadows resident Kaylene Wilson said the state of the bluestone building was a “slap in the face”.
“It’s just ridiculous that this old building, that’s close to our hearts, has been left to rot,” she said.
“There’s glass everywhere, I don’t think there’s a window in the building that isn’t smashed.
“It’s just derelict.”
Hume councillor Naim Kurt said he has asked council to investigate what they are able to do to stop the vandalism, but said that “council cannot compel the owner to secure the property”.
