City of Ballarat Council has issued an emergency demolition order for a local historically-significant property which was extensively damaged by fire earlier this month.
The heritage home at 89 Magpie Street, which is owned by Sovereign Hill, was gutted by the blaze that broke out on the night of 2 May.
The house, which is thought to have been built in the 1890s, was formerly known as the John Pearce House, named after a mine manager who resided there before WWI.
In February, the Council had sought permanent heritage controls from the Planning Minister for five properties including the property at 89 Magpie Street.
“As a result of a structural report provided by the landowner, the City of Ballarat’s Municipal Building Surveyor has issued an emergency demolition order, which dictates that the building must be demolished in the interests of public safety,” said Council Director Development and Growth, Natalie Robertson.
“89 Magpie Street is currently subject to a Heritage Overlay amendment, after Ballarat City Council in February resolved to request the Planning Minister prepare an amendment to the Ballarat Planning Scheme to apply permanent heritage controls on the property.
“The Minister for Planning has been advised of the circumstances and at this stage the public exhibition for the Heritage Overlay amendment remains scheduled for July,” she said.Â
The five-bedroom home had been empty for several years and was vacant at the time of the fire.