Emergency works have started on the partial demolition of the former council building at 6-18 Alexandra Avenue in Sunshine, due to concerns over the structural safety of the building.
According to Brimbank council, the municipal building surveyor issued an Emergency Order in mid-November to evacuate the building on 2 December.
The order allowed a team of experts to assess the building’s condition.
The surveyor then issued an Emergency Demolition Order for parts of the building assessed as structurally unsafe, including the western brick wall, the front glazed mural external wall and the cantilevered front portion of the building.
Demolition works commenced shortly after and have been undertaken by licensed demolition contractors at the cost of the owner of the site.
Council said the safety of the community was paramount and the partial demolition order would ensure the building can be made safe.
As reported by Star Weekly, residents in the area have long expressed concerns around the building being a lure for criminal activity, with reports crime had escalated in the past six months.
Sunshine resident Sally Glenn, who lives near the building, previously told Star Weekly she had taken extra measures to secure her property.
“There’s a lot more people coming and going and squatting there and it’s becoming really volatile and really unsafe,” she said.
“Lots of smashing of glass…stolen cars have been dumped there.“
Locals have previously called for council to order the demolition of the entire building, with an online petition attracting over 295 signatures.
During the first week of December, the site was evacuated by police and secured against trespassers in preparation for the building assessment and works.
Council said any occupants at the site were being assisted by council to relocate to alternative accommodation.
The site has a heritage overlay for its local historical, social and architectural significance, with the glass mosaic mural at the front of the building also a heritage-protected artwork.
Council confirmed specialist contractors had been hired to dismantle the mural to ensure its preservation.
Council said any additional demolition would will depend on the outcome of further investigations that are still underway.
