Victorian Government slams Corkman Irish Pub cowboy developers after no build bid

THE State Government has slammed an apparent bid by the Corkman Irish Pub developers not to rebuild the 19th century hotel.

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THE State Government has slammed an apparent bid by the Corkman Irish Pub developers not to rebuild the 19th century hotel.

A spokesman for Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the Government had made it clear that it would crack down on cowboy developers “who have no regard for regulations and that’s exactly what we’re doing”.

The former Corkman Irish Pub. Picture: Supplied

“The rogue developers who illegally knocked down the Corkman Irish Pub have given an assurance they will rebuild the building at their expense.”

“The Minister expects the developers to follow through on their undertaking.”

Mr Wynne’s office released the sharply worded statement after it was reported that developers Stefce Kutlesovski and Raman Shaqiri had indicated to the planning tribunal they would fight a reconstruction order by the Government.

The site after demolition. Picture: AAP/Tracey Nearmy

This was despite a pledge by the developers last October to rebuild the pub they had allegedly illegally demolished.

There was a huge backlash against the demolition as the Corkman was a popular Carlton pub, with its original name the Carlton Inn.

It is believed the developers had been planning a 12-storey apartment tower on the site.

It has been reported that lawyers for the developers have told the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that “no minister acting reasonably” could compel them to rebuild the pub.

National Trust of Australia Victorian branch spokesman Simon Ambrose said the organisation had always argued buildings demolished illegally should be rebuilt.

The Corkman, then the Carlton Inn, in 1937. Picture: Supplied

“We look forward to these arguments being tested at VCAT, and are supportive of the current bid by the Minister for Planning, City of Melbourne, and University of Melbourne students, to have the building reinstated,” he said.

Tristan Davies, from Melbourne Heritage Action, said he was astounded by the developers’ stance.

“It’s an absolute disgrace and they should rebuild the pub like they promised last year,” he said.

“I hope the planning minister and Lord Mayor (Robert Doyle) make them stick to their word.”

“Anyone who questions the heritage value of that pub might as well question any of the city’s other heritage value buildings.”

The Herald Sun was unable to make contact with Mr Kutlesovski and Mr Shaqiri.

@JMasanauskas