THE Fitzgerald’s Hotel site on Fitzgerald Street Northam is to undergo a major redevelopment with the business owner Mr Stan Malinowski receiving approval from the Shire of Northam to demolish the existing building.
Mr Malinowski said the demolition approval now paves the way for the planning of a new and exciting development for Northam and the main street.
“As the owner of the site I was initially looking at refurbishing the existing building, however all the advice coming back to me was that the building had reached a point where it was simply uneconomic to refurbish, hence I have made the difficult decision to demolish and rebuild,” he said.
“As a long term resident of Northam I am committed to the area and I am excited about what the new development may bring to Northam.”
Mr Malinowski said The Shire of Northam issued the approval to demolish with some conditions in relation to how the site is remediated.
Shire of Northam chief executive Jason Whiteaker said this was an important element of the approval.
“The Fitzgerald's Hotel site is obviously very prominent in the CBD and it is therefore important that it be presentable and add value to the area,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with Mr Malinowski to ensure that what goes on the site long term is appropriate and of high quality.”
Mr Whiteaker also indicated that the short term appearance of the site was important highlighting that a condition on the approval was to require Mr Malinowski to engage with the Shire to develop a short term plan to protect the amenity of the area once the demolition has been completed.
“Obviously we want to ensure that the site does not substantially detract from the CBD whilst the planning for a new development is underway," he said.
"Mr Malinowski has indicated a desire to work with the Council to ensure the short term appearance is acceptable, which is really positive.”
Mr Whiteaker said the redevelopment of the Fitzgerald’s Hotel site is one of a number of potential developments which are being planned for the CBD.
Further details of other developments will be released once finalised.
