Corkman Pub rebuild should have permanent protection: council

THE allegedly illegal demolition of an 1880s Carlton pub caused public uproar — now Melbourne City Council wants any reconstruction to be protected.

The Corkman Irish Pub

MELBOURNE City Council wants to ensure any reconstruction of the historic Corkman Pub in Carlton has permanent heritage protection.

The 1880s brick hotel was allegedly illegally demolished last year by developers Raman Shaqiri and Stefce​ Kutlesovski amid public uproar.

They potentially face millions of dollars in fines relating to the demolition.

FAMILY LINKED TO DEMOLISHED CARLTON PUB DEVASTATED BY ACTION

CORKMAN DEVELOPERS FINED $20,000 BY EPA

DEVELOPERS WHO DEMOLISHED CORKMAN PUB FACE MORE CHARGES

Mr Shaqiri and Mr Kutlesovski initially indicated they would rebuild the Corkman, but they have since taken Supreme Court action against Planning Minister Richard Wynne in a bid to redevelop the Leicester St site with units.

It can be revealed Mr Shaqiri​ is also facing legal action over another building matter.

The Corkman after it was demolished. Picture: Alex Coppel.

On Tuesday, city councillors will vote on a proposal to seek authorisation from Mr Wynne for a planning scheme amendment to protect the site because a current overlay will expire late next year.

“This will ensure the significant heritage building is reconstructed so that its heritage significance can be recognised and protected and will ensure a good long-term planning outcome is achieved,” said a management report to councillors.

The report said it was important that the reconstruction of the building, originally called the Carlton Inn, took into account its “significant historic, architectural, aesthetic, social and cultural values”.

The Corkman Irish pub in the 1940s when it was the Carlton Inn.

Meanwhile, Mr Shaqiri and his companies Shaq Industries and Makshaq are being sued by Belcon Enterprises in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal over a building dispute.

In a statement of claim, Belcon, owned by Ilir Beluli, has alleged that Shaq Industries signed a contract in 2013 to construct 13 homes in Errol St, Braybrook, for $2.05 million.

Belcon claimed it suffered loss and damage by paying $721,410 in excess of the contract price, according to documents lodged with VCAT.

Belcon is also claiming $240,000 in administration fees for services that Mr Shaqiri allegedly requested of Mr Beluli in July 2013.

In defence documents, Mr Shaqiri denied allegations about the contract and “expressly denied” Belcon provided administration services to Shaq Industries.

In a counter claim, Mr Shaqiri said that Belcon owed $54,000 in unpaid invoices to Shaq Industries and Makshaq.

The case is due to return to VCAT on Tuesday.

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@JMasanauskas