By Esther Lauaki
Developers of the run-down former Kyneton hospital could face large fines if repairs are not made to the derelict site.
The state’s heritage authority this month served the owners of the property, Winport Developments, with a notice ordering them to repair issues with the main bluestone building.
Improvements to be made to the site include security fencing, replacing a window and bathroom skylight and removing graffiti.
The former Kyneton hospital, built in the early 1850s, is of state significance and is on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Plans to subdivide the land for residential development and transform the building into two townhouses were exhibited last year but were stalled.
Community efforts to find another use for the building, which peaked in 2016 with the SaveOKH campaign, have since dissipated.
Kyneton Historical Society secretary Larina Strauch said the group fields many calls about the building.
“We hope that an amicable solution can be found and that the decay and rot and neglect can be rectified,” Ms Strauch said.
A spokesman for Heritage Victoria told
Star Weekly the owners of the building had until last Friday to respond to the notice.
Winport Developments was contacted for comment but did not respond.
