The owners of derelict and vandalised Macedon House in Gisborne have been ordered to repair it or face hefty fines.
Heritage Victoria has ruled that the building had fallen into such a state of disrepair that the future preservation of the state-listed heritage asset was under threat.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne last month signed off on orders requiring the owners to clean up the site and secure all doors and windows within 21 days.
A 90-day deadline for drainage works and the underpinning of external bluestone was also given.
“Those lucky enough to own heritage assets have a responsibility to maintain them – and we’ll ensure they do,” Mr Wynne said.
Macedon House, a single-storey bluestone building, dates back to the 1840s and is considered a rare surviving example of an early Victorian hotel.
The building has been vacant since it stopped being used as a kindergarten in 2004.
In the years since, windows have been smashed and boarded up, the walls punched with holes and graffiti scrawled on the building’s facade.
Melbourne developer Brian Forshaw sold the property last year with plans for development into a retirement village for $1.21 million – but the transaction has yet to be settled.
Macedon Ranges council said it had in been contact with the owner of Macedon House about fixing up the site and had informed the owner about potential state grants for assistance.
– with Domain
