Demolition to begin on the Semaphore Waterslide by late October

The long-term operator of the soon-to-be demolished seaside attraction has rubbished claims he blocked efforts to take down the “unsafe” amusement.

The long term operator of the since-closed Semaphore Waterslide has rubbished claims he blocked Port Adelaide Enfield Council access to demolish the “unsafe” infrastructure.

Demolition is expected to begin late next month on The Esplanade slide after the council’s agreement with the operator, Peter Blum, was torn up following an inspection and risk assessment.

The slide, which was built in the 1980s, was closed in February this year in the “interests of public safety” after being deemed “unsafe”, impacted by “corrosive saltwater” and “beyond economical repair”, the council said in a statement on Wednesday.

The council voted to demolish the slide in March this year after being quoted $260,000 to fix the slide.

It said Mr Blum, who had run the slide for about 10 years, had refused to provide access.

The Semaphore Waterslide was closed because of safety concerns. Picture: Supplied

“Following numerous requests for access to the property to demolish the unsafe water slide, the operator still refuses entry to council,” the council stated.

“The council had no other option but to terminate the lease.”

He must hand over the keys and vacate the premises by October 20.

However, Mr Blum said the council had “full access” to the site over winter and it had “cancelled a couple of times” after arranging a time to access the property.

“I’ve left the gate unlocked for them a few times,” Mr Blum said.

“It’s dragged out and now it’s school holidays again.”

He said the council’s claim he had denied access to the site was simply not true.

“I said if you’re going to do anything, you’re best doing it over winter time, and nothing has been done,” he said.

“I’m trying to get some consultation on what they would like to do. I’m pushing to get an answer.

The Semaphore Waterslide is set to be demolished from late October. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“It’s happened that fast … it’s come as a massive shock.

“They’ve never taken an interest in it except to collect the lease money.”

PAE mayor Claire Boan disputed Mr Blum’s belief he had not denied access and stressed the council had been working alongside him for the past six months to find consensus.

“It’s got to the point where we had to terminate the lease,” Ms Boan said.

“We had to take an extra level of action as the council couldn’t get permission to enter.

The water slide was deemed a safety risk following an audit and inspection. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve assisted him in every possible way we can while maintaining community safety. We understand it’s been a challenging time for Mr Blum but we’ve had to make this decision based on safety.”

Meanwhile, Mr Blum has been operating the site with just amusements, including mini golf.

“I’m limping along,” he said.

“It’s cost me a lot of money to buy this business, and they just expect to roll over and leave with nothing.”

In a post on the waterslide’s Facebook page on Wednesday, it said the council had left thousands of children and tourists “high and dry”.

However, in its statement, the council said it had suspended all lease payments between March and November last year and offered the option of operating the premises without the slide for a $1 “on demand rental fee”.

Mr Blum had also not been charged since February after the decision was made to close the slide, it said.

Meanwhile, a council masterplan for the Semaphore Foreshore precinct will assess if a water slide or water play area could be included. More info: haveyoursay.cityofpae.sa.gov.au