Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hotel Australasia owner Rodney Thompson says he does not need Bega Valley Shire Council approval to start demolition of the iconic Eden landmark.
Mr Thompson - who told the Eden Magnet in early March that demolition of the old hotel was likely to start in two to three weeks - said this week there were a "few boxes still unticked".
The council confirmed on Monday that it had not yet received a demolition certificate application from Mr Thompson.
But when asked about council's position, Mr Thompson replied "the demolition certificate is being done privately (private certifier), not through council."
"It is basically complete, council are not really involved at all, other than where applicable under the development conditions," Mr Thompson said.
"Once we tick the final boxes, we can commence (demolition) anytime," he said.
Mr Thompson confirmed that he had "executed a supply agreement with a national brand” supermarket to move in once the hotel, fondly known by locals as the Pit, was demolished and redeveloped.
"The site will be operated by an independent operator, quite possibly one of our private retail companies, and will go under the national banner/buying group," Mr Thompson said.
Mr Thompson said that there was a confidentiality agreement in place where the deal could only be made exclusive once the supermarket was built and ready to open.
Hotel Australasia campaigner Amanda Midlam has carried out an independent investigation, in an attempt to ascertain which supermarket would move in to the redevelopment.
The findings of her investigation were featured in a report titled 'Mystery surrounds Hotel Australasia supermarket' in the Magnet on March 19.
It revealed that major supermarket chains, including Coles, Woolworth and IGA, had no plans to relocate or open at the site.
Since that investigation, the Magnet has received a response from supermarket giant, Aldi.
An Aldi spokesperson said: "Aldi are unable to confirm if a store will be built in the Eden area."
The spokesperson referred the Magnet to its website for information on future stores.
When asked about Aldi, Mr Thompson said: "that brand has nothing really to do with us."
Related articles:
