NEWCASTLE – What will become of the Kirkland Street hawker shelters?
Over the years, terms such as white elephant have been used to describe the structure, which remains dormant despite assurances from officials.
Now there are more troubles for this beleaguered facility.
A recent visit to the shelters revealed the gate was not locked, which has likely allowed an opportunity for vagrants to move in.
At least three of the shelters have damaged roll-up doors.
The evidence of vagrancy can be seen in the ablution block, which is overrun with alcohol bottles, sheet metal and blankets.
Overgrowth around the buildings completes the image of decay.
Ward Three councillor, Matthew Shunmugam was contacted in relation to the shelters, and explained there had been a snag in getting them operational.
This was due to a burst pipe adjacent to the shelters.
Cllr Shunmugam said a contractor was being considered to cut away the overgrowth and ensure the site was clean for its new tenants.
“It is going to be operational soon, on completion of the budgetary maintenance.”
Ferdie Alberts of the Department of Economic Development confirmed this was the case, and stated the shelters would be handed over in March.
The onus of maintenance would then fall to the hawker committee.
“We advertised for tenants and many people applied. They then formed a committee and will sign an agreement with the municipality, wherein they pay rental and keep the site clean.”
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