Minister protects historic hotel

19/05/05
A stop-work order has been issued to protect an 1880s hotel in York from the threat of demolition.
Heritage Minister Francis Logan issued the order today after the owner threatened to bulldoze the site, claiming that repairs to the building would cost $200,000 and a sale offer of $1million had been made for the vacant land.
The owner called the Minister's office and the Heritage Council today, advising that he was going to demolish the hotel. He told the Heritage Council the demolition would occur this weekend.
"Legally the place cannot be demolished and I don't think a contractor who knows the current situation will go ahead and demolish it, particularly since the shire hasn't issued a permit," Mr Logan said.
"You only need to look at this hotel to see the good condition it's in and that it would be a travesty for the town - and the State - to lose such a place," Mr Logan said.
The hotel is part of the York Town Precinct, has been classified by the National Trust and included in the Register of the National Estate and the Shire of York's local heritage list.
"It's part of an historic precinct so the streetscape value to the entire precinct is valuable and demolition of the hotel would affect all other owners in the precinct," Mr Logan said.
The stop-work order, which was signed this afternoon, takes effect immediately.
It provides legal protection against demolition or other types of work which may negatively impact on this important landmark.
"The Gallop Government is committed to protecting Western Australia's unique lifestyle, including significant heritage sites," Mr Logan said.
Minister's office: 9222 8950