Illegal demolition of Corkman Pub sees developers charged with contempt of court

The Victorian government and City of Melbourne have filed contempt of court proceedings against Raman Shaqiri and Stefce Kutlesovski, the developers behind the illegal demolition of the Corkman Irish Pub in Carlton.

The pair were initially fined almost $2 million for illegally demolishing the 160 year old pub, however those fines were cut to $1.1 million after a County court appeal last year.

However, the case against the developers is ongoing. 

On Thursday 16 July, VCAT proceedings were filed against Mr Shaqiri and Mr Kutlesovski, and 160 Leicester Pty Ltd, the company that owns the property and of which both men are directors.

The pair is accused of failing to fulfil an agreement with Planning Minister Richard Wynn to build a temporary park at the demolition site of the now demolished pub. 

A court order was previously secured by the government at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which would oblige Mr Shaqiri and Mr Kutlesovski to follow through on the agreement, converting the site into an open space.

The pair purchased the Carlton pub in 2015 for $4.7million and in October 2016, breached building and planning laws by demolishing the site without council approval. Developers knocked down 80 per cent of the 159-year-old pub in October 2016, but were ordered to halt demolition by Melbourne City Council. The developers ignored the orders and levelled the pub the following day.

Last year the Corkman site was valued between $8 million and $10 million. The current valuation is proving problematic for the Victorian government. The Victorian opposition has called on the state government repeatedly to acquire the land, however the Andrews government is arguing it will now be forced to pay a higher price for the site.

“At every turn these developers have failed in their responsibility to rectify their unlawful behaviour” Mr Wynne said.

"I have authorised the council under the Planning and Environment Act to begin clean up and construction of the Corkman site so it can be a park enjoyed by the community."

Due to the actions of the company and the directors, the government and the City of Melbourne saw no option but to file contempt proceedings at VCAT against all parties.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the pair had ignored the VCAT order demanding them to clear the site and make it accessible for public recreation.

“We’re extremely disappointed the owners have failed to comply with the VCAT order and will take action on behalf of the community. We need to ensure the site is cleaned up and available for the public to enjoy,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The owners of the Corkman site showed callous disregard for our city’s history by knocking down the heritage pub.”

Tim Smith, Opposition planning spokesman said the government should have taken immediate and tougher action against the developers as soon as the demolition occurred. 

“These guys have undertaken the heist of the century and I think the government at every stage has not been as tough as it should have been,” he said. 

Mr Smith said he spoke for all Victorians when he expressed that the pair should not benefit from their illegal actions.