Developers allegedly behind illegal demolition of Carlton Corkman Irish Pub worth tens of millions

THE developers allegedly behind the illegal demolition of Carlton’s heritage Corkman Irish pub are worth tens of millions.

The state government will consider higher penalties against illegal demolitions after the historic Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton was knocked down. Picture: David Crosling

DEVELOPERS allegedly behind the illegal demolition of a Carlton pub are each worth tens of millions of dollars, according to documents seen by the Herald Sun.

Stefce Kutlesovski and partner Raman Shaqiri have done several apartment developments across Melbourne through firms such as Makshaq.

Mr Kutlesovski owns luxury cars, personal homes and various other properties, says a statement of financial position apparently signed by him.

His garage includes a $350,000 Maserati Grand Turismo and two Mercedes Benz vehicles worth $100,000 each.

Mr Shaqiri has also owned units and interests in several other properties, including some jointly owned with Mr Kutlesovski, according to another document.

He is listed as owning three luxury cars including a $300,000 Maserati GT.

The pair potentially faces fines of up to $1 million if they are prosecuted over the illegal demolition of Carlton’s Corkman Irish Pub last weekend.

What remains of the Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton after it was illegally demolished. Picture: Supplied.

What remains of the Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton after it was illegally demolished. Picture: David Crosling.

Previously known as the Carlton Inn, the pub was built in the late 1800s and, until Sunday, stood at the corner of Leicester and Pelham streets.

There was no demolition permit allowing the pub’s destruction, nor was there a planning permit for a new building.

The State Government has foreshadowed higher penalties for the illegal demolition of heritage buildings.

Mr Kutlesovski and Mr Shaqiri’s company 160 Leicester Pty Ltd paid $4.76 million for the pub last August.

A report by Savills Valuations Pty Ltd, prepared for Mr Shaqiri in May, estimated the market value of the property at $7.5 million.

The report said the absence of a planning permit increased development uncertainty and it warned that the period facade of the pub may have to be retained due to the heritage overlay.

Other developments by Mr Kutlesovksi and Mr Shaqiri include apartments under construction at Lygon St, Brunswick East, and plans for 379 units on land at Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill, for which they paid more than $13 million.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria has found evidence of asbestos at the Corkman pub site and indicated the owners will be issued with a notice and required to prevent any leaks.

Building unions have put a construction ban on the site.

Mr Kutlesovski and Mr Shaqiri could not be contacted.