A derelict building continues to draw the ire of residents who are fed up with seeing the Fairy Meadow “eyesore”.
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The old indoor cricket centre on the Princes Highway was burnt down about 20 years ago and the owners have left it to be graffitied and rubbished.
There is asbestos in the roof, wires hanging down, dangerous gutters, broken glass and a cut fence.
Scott McRae has been a Fairy Meadow resident for the past 10 years and is “sick to death of the sight of the building.”
“Wollongong City Council still passes the buck and gives the building a pass on its safety check,” he said. “Saying it is safe to the public is a load of crap.
“I have seen kids climbing on it. Someone might do damage to themselves.”
Mr McRae wants the owner to knock down the building or put up a taller fence so residents do not have to see it.
Ali Puddle said on Facebook that “people come down the mountain and see [it]. Not a good look.”
Luisa Manzini-Conte added, “it’s disgraceful just sitting there like that. Can’t they just pull it down at least?”
Residents suggested transforming the site into apartments, an IKEA store, cinema, an indoor skate park or an aquarium.
A council spokeswoman said the building was not deemed in an unsafe condition and poses no immediate threat to public safety and therefore a demolition order could not be issued.
“Over the years we have taken action on the property by issuing notices and orders to the property’s owners to ensure the premises are maintained in a safe and healthy condition,” she said.
“The most recent management plan and clearance certificate was provided to council in May 2018 with the next annual report to be provided in May 2019.”
Wollongong councillor Jenelle Rimmer said she would be asking the council to put pressure on the developer to demolish the structure.
“Two decades have passed and residents still have to put up with the building,” she said. “It used to be a thriving sports centre. It is now the most derelict building in the northern suburbs. I feel sorry for the residents who live directly opposite the site who have to see the eyesore when they open up their curtains.
“It is the owners’ responsibility to do the right thing by the community and remove the unsightly structure.”
Cr Rimmer also said the site was “unacceptable” because tourists would see it when they went on the Gong Shuttle Bus.
Quality Green Group, the owner/manager of the property, were contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.
