New buyer snaps up Geraldton old Vic site

A new owner has bought the vacant site of the old Victoria Hotel, destroyed by fire earlier this year, along with three adjoining properties in Geraldton’s CBD.

City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ross McKim said the flattened Lot 151, also known as the former Blue Heelers tavern, had been sold with the old retail block Lot 153 behind, the Radio Theatre at Lot 150 and Geraldton Beach Hotel at Lot 152.

It comes after the City failed in its bid to purchase lots 151 and 153 for $1.18 million in April in hopes of creating a “green laneway” and carpark.

“The liquidator did not accept this offer as they wanted to sell all four parcels of land in one package. The four land parcels have subsequently sold,” Mr McKim said.

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While it is not yet known who the owner is or what their plans are, Mayor Shane Van Styn said a potential new owner of the site had approached the City in recent weeks to inquire what it would like to be done at the property.

“Usually when people are looking to invest in Geraldton they approach us to see what is needed around the area,” he said.

The property at 183 Marine Terrace sits on a “super block” that was owned by Geraldton Investments Pty Ltd before it collapsed in 2019 and was placed into liquidation by FTI Consulting.

Police have charged two teenagers over the blaze which tore through the historic building for 10 hours, -causing about $500,000 of damage and its subsequent demolition.

FTI Consulting was contacted for comment.