Published on Thursday, 11 February 2021 at 11:24:51 AM
Picture Caption: The City have made multiple efforts for the state government to take action on the old Fire Station, which is now being demolished. Mayor Van Styn is pictured in 2020 offering $1 for the site.
After years of trying to find a use for the building, but to no avail due to contamination concerns, the long over-due demolition of the former Fire Station on Durlacher Street is underway.
Having sat derelict and in disrepair for years, the City of Greater Geraldton have made multiple efforts for the state government to take action.
With works starting this week, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a welcome step in the right direction.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to the state government for this step forward and organising the demolition of this building,” he said.
“I know not just Council, but our community, will be elated to finally see this eyesore gone from our CBD.
“It’s also great to see a local contractor undertake the works.”
In November 2019, Council made the decision to begin negotiations with the state government to secure the land on freehold purchase.
And after multiple correspondences, Mayor Van Styn offered the state government $1 for the site in January last year.
The City was unsuccessful in acquiring the land due to PFAS contamination concerns.
But Mayor Van Styn said he was glad something has now been done.
“Vibrancy in our CBD has been a top priority for the City and we are seeing so much happening at the moment with new roundabouts and revitalisation on our streets,” he said.
“It is important that we continue to work hard where we can to acquire land and buildings before they become dilapidated and create negative space in our community.”
The Fire Station on Durlacher Street was in operation for nearly 50 years, serving volunteer and career brigades in Geraldton until the City provided the state government with land on North West Coastal Highway for a new Fire Station which opened in 2016.
Back to All News