Batavia Motor Inne directors face court after allegedly failing to comply with City of Greater Geraldton order

The company that owns the infamous Batavia Motor Inne, a derelict motel that attracted criminal activity and squatters for more than a decade, has been brought to court after allegedly failing to comply with a demolition order. After years of attempts to demolish the eyesore that is the Batavia Motor Inne on Fitzgerald Street, the City of Greater Geraldton finally saw some light when the complex was torn down in December last year. The demolition included all but one building, which remains standing. 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd made a first appearance in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday after being charged with being an owner who has been served with a notice under a section of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911, failed to comply with the notice within the time specified in the notice. The company, co-directed by Joe Scaffidi — Perth property developer and husband of former City of Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi — along with two others, is yet to enter a plea. The case was quickly adjourned for further legal advice before any information was provided to the court. Outside court, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the court proceedings were in regards to a failure to comply with the demolition order which was issued under the Health Act and required all buildings to be demolished. But the city did not want to comment further while the court proceedings were ongoing. A statement released by 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd in January revealed plans to repurpose the remaining building and turn it into an 18-apartment workers accommodation complex, potentially to open by August, but the city rejected the apparent “incomplete” development application after the owners allegedly failed to comply with the demolition order. Previously, the city confirmed the order required the directors to demolish all buildings, which the Geraldton Guardian understands was issued for a 12-month period. 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd is due to reappear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 18.