The owners of empty eyesores in Melbourne CBD could be hit with higher rates, taxes

Melbourne’s lord mayor is taking aim at the owners of some of the city’s most run down and derelict sites, which have fallen into such disrepair they’ve become safety hazards.

The former Cancer Council building has become a hot spot for squatters. Picture: Tony Gough

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has flagged hiking rates or introducing more charges as he vows to go head-to-head with building owners to clean-up Melbourne’s most run down and derelict sites.

Mr Reece has labelled the number of dilapidated buildings “unacceptable”, saying more needs to be done to fix the buildings which “pose a risk to the community.”

“It’s unacceptable that some buildings in our city have fallen into such disrepair they pose a risk to the community.”

“For too long, these buildings have been a blight on our city and magnets for squatting, vandalism and fire hazards.

“Enough is enough – we want to see them cleaned up, activated or redeveloped.

“We will explore stronger measures – whether that’s higher rates, special charges or other tools – to tackle the city’s worst derelict sites.”

The building, on the corner of Rathdowne and Victoria Parade, is one of the city’s most prominent eyesores. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Reece added many of the eyesores were actually prime real estate, perfect for conversion into “cool inner-city apartments”, citing success stories like the Job Warehouse and Duke of Kent Hotel.

Carlton Residents Association committee member Peter Sanders said “certainly something needs to be done” about the issue, because “several years go by and nothing changes”

He said the former Cancer Council building in Carlton, which has been left decrepit and abandoned by its owners, was a prime example.

“It is unsightly (and) a problem for security. (There is also) the issue with squatters and potential hazards,” he said.

The architect and town planner said the building was often a subject of conversation in the community as so many people wanted it cleaned up, but conceded it could be very difficult to persuade building owners to act.

The building has fallen into disrepair and is on the council’s hit list. Picture: Tony Gough

The City of Melbourne’s 23-page Revenue and Ratings Plan outlines how council can introduce more rates and special charges for specific circumstances, subject to council approvals.

In the instance of the Cancer Council building, if enacted and approved by the City of Melbourne, special charges or increased rates could be used as a penalty and form of persuasion to fix the building.

Mr Sanders also raised a possible alternate plan, instead, encouraging owners to use their land in the short term for something more acceptable for the public.

He said the site could be cleared and filled with planter boxes, almost like a temporary park and garden for the local community.

“Something like that would make a massive difference to the neighbourhood, all of these different avenues need to be explored.”

Unsafe buildings can be reported to the City of Melbourne at melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Originally published as The owners of empty eyesores in Melbourne CBD could be hit with higher rates, taxes