A significant issue is unfolding in a small town in WA's Goldfields as the Menzies Hotel faces the possibility of closure due to safety concerns surrounding the building's integrity. The tenants of the Menzies Hotel, Sue and David Wessely, have been asked to leave the premises following a building order issued by the Menzies Shire, citing the building as unsafe for human occupation. The directive to vacate arose from an engineering report commissioned by Ms. Wessely after concerns were flagged by a shire surveyor during an inspection.
The Wesselys are embroiled in a disagreement with the landlord, Sudhir Sudhir, who is also the Menzies Shire's deputy president, as they contend that the necessary repairs have not been adequately addressed. Despite the deteriorating state of the more than 120-year-old building, the engineer's report indicates that while extensive repairs are needed, the structure is not beyond saving, sparking questions about whether the building was ever suitable for leasing. Mr. Sudhir has hinted at the prospect of demolishing parts of or the entire building in a bid to address the safety concerns.
The Menzies Shire and Mr. Sudhir have refrained from elaborating on the issue, leaving the future of the Menzies Hotel hanging in the balance. The iconic pub, which holds significant cultural and communal value for locals and tourists alike, is at the center of a battle between the tenants and the authorities, with the Wesselys expressing their determination to keep the establishment operational. Amidst discussions of potential demolition and the substantial financial investment required for repairs, the Menzies community remains divided on the fate of the beloved hotel, with hopes pinned on preserving its historical significance.