State Government rules out buying St Kilda’s notorious Gatwick Hotel
ST KILDA’S notorious Gatwick Hotel won’t continue as a boarding house after the State Government ruled out buying it.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE NOTORIOUS Gatwick Hotel in St Kilda is officially on the market, but the State Government has ruled out buying it to continue running it as a boarding house.
Minister for Housing Martin Foley said the State Government had “no plans to buy the Gatwick” and would determine how to best use the $600,000 put aside for its refurbishment.
“Instead, we will focus on working with housing agencies to help residents find new homes,” Mr Foley said.
“We will rededicate the funds earmarked for the Gatwick refurbishment to organisations that will support the current Gatwick residents.”
He said the money would be used to support the long-term housing needs of those residents and discussions had begun with relevant agencies.
The 1930s-era Gatwick on Fitzroy St is privately owned and run as a boarding house by two sisters, Rose Banks and Yvette Kelly.
Its transient and often troubled residents have long provoked debate emong St Kilda residents and Fitzroy St traders about whether the boarding house should stay or go, and police and paramedics are frequently on scene.
Lemon Baxter real estate agent Jonathan Walls said the expressions of interest period began on February 1, and interested parties had until March 1 to apply.
Mr Walls said the property is expected to fetch about $12 million and would likely be turned into offices or a boutique hotel.
Port Phillip Mayor Bernadene Voss said the council would not support the demolition of the hotel building.
“A planning permit is required for any demolition,” Cr Voss said.
“Council policy does not support full demolition of the building as it is a ‘significant’ graded heritage building and any part demolition would need to be justified.
“These planning controls do not protect the inside of the building however, which can be changed without a permit.”
The 670 sq m property has a maximum height limit of 16.5 metres, or five storeys.
‘I was mortified’: Ex-cop denies LinkedIn harassment allegations
A woman has been left “embarrassed and mortified” as she alleges an ex-cop used fake LinkedIn accounts to post “damaging” remarks about her and her partner.
Mayor slammed for ‘vandalising’ freeway with election posters
A northern suburbs mayor is being called out after plastering his face on a major freeway and he’s not the only one raising eyebrows with his election signs.