Renovations to transform former Batavia Motor Inne unit block into short-stay accommodation close to complete

Welcome to the new-look Batavia Motor Inne, where works to turn the last building standing from a ruinous mess into a complex of 21 neat and tidy apartments are nearing completion. Most of the building has had its graffiti-ridden walls repainted and floors relaid, with mattresses wrapped in plastic ready to be unpacked inside the newly renovated rooms. Majority of the Fitzgerald Street complex was demolished in late 2023, with the site of the abandoned hotel known for attracting squatters, crime and antisocial behaviour. The redevelopment was approved by the City of Greater Geraldton in June, which will turn the two-storey building into 21 short-stay serviced apartments to help address the city’s housing shortage. 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd — which is partly registered to Giuseppe “Joe” Scaffidi, the husband of former Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi, and two others — pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a demolition order in Geraldton Magistrates Court and is set to be sentenced on Wednesday next week (February 5). The directors have since complied with the order and demolished the remainder of the hotel, the court was told. Mayor Jerry Clune said the accommodation was progressing and the sooner it happened the better for everyone. “Once it’s completed, then it will be very welcomed and filled up, because temporary accommodation, or any accommodation, is quite critical in town at the moment,” he said. “Anything that will alleviate some accommodation has got to be welcomed. The owner saw that the asset was worth preserving and upgrading, and turned it into something that will generate an income.” The city has not received an update on the status of the wider proposed development and a date for completion of the works is yet to be advised. Since the site was demolished, Mr Clune confirmed the antisocial behaviour, crime and squatting had been eradicated and he looked forward to seeing the development progress. “We’d all like to see some development on the site, but when that will happen, and when that will be, will be in the hands of the owners,” Cr Clune said. Concept plans for the new development include offices and hospitality and retail stores, and is considered by real estate manager Colliers as a “one-stop shop where you can work, shop, eat and play all under one roof”. Mr Scaffidi, 74, made headlines last week when he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court where it was revealed he would fighting an allegation of assault at trial in May. 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd was contacted for comment.