Batemans Bay: Abandoned dwelling on Orient St sold after fierce public backlash

Batemans Bay CBD operators have blamed a derelict building for a growing crime wave, and say workers have endured threats, break-ins and assaults at the hands of junkies. Now, the fearful workers may have a lifeline.

Batemans Bay CBD operators have blamed a derelict building for a growing crime wave, and say workers have endured threats, break-ins and assaults at the hands of junkies.

Now, the fearful workers may have a lifeline.

The rundown Orient St, Batemans Bay property — in the heart of a major retail strip in the coastal town’s CBD — has officially sold after sitting abandoned and attracting a wave of criminal activity for months on end.

Various employees told The South Coast News of the daily dangers they faced while the site sat vacant and for sale.

A BCF employee, who asked not to be named, said screaming, threats and people “shooting up drugs” outside the store in broad daylight had become the norm.

“We don’t even park near the shop anymore,” he said.

BCF Batemans Bay workers said they often hear screaming and see people "shooting up" outside the store. Picture: Tom McGann

“The screams you hear from inside that building, it’s so loud.”

He said he personally witnessed people injecting drugs between their toes near the store, car windows being smashed, customers being abused, and even a person trying to break-in with an axe.

The abandoned building sits in the Batemans Bay CBD. Picture: Tom McGann

“It’s been a problem for a while now and police used to come here a lot, but they just don’t come anymore,” he said.

Another worker said he worried for female staff, and said a lack of lighting near the abandoned building increased the risk of assaults.

“At 6pm here at the moment, it’s dark as,” he said.

“You are walking to your car past this area where people will yell threats at you. It’s becoming so dangerous.”

People hanging out at the block often scream at customers. Picture: Tom McGann

Pedestrians also voiced frustration over the “eyesore”, saying it was “terrible” for the town.

“I like to get a coffee in the morning on this street, and that block is just full of potential for more shops or something,” one resident said.

Another agreed, saying it attracted “junkies” to an otherwise “lovely little street”.

“You have cafes, stores, and then that thing,” he said.

The real estate agent in charge of the block’s sale, Jordan McConnell, confirmed the property had finally sold after more than one year on the market.

The abandoned block is up for sale. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr McConnell could not reveal the buyer due to settlement being under way.

However, he previously told this publication a “real mix” of buyers were interested, including “large scale showroom style retailers, to smaller quick service businesses like fast food places”.

Eurobodalla mayor Mathew Hatcher said he was unaware of the criminal activity on the street, but encouraged anyone affected to report it to police.

For rattled retail staff, the hope is the sale will finally put a stop to the issues.

“Nothing is going to change until that building is gone,” the BCF worker said.

Got a story? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Batemans Bay: Abandoned dwelling on Orient St sold after fierce public backlash