The Andrews Labor Government will ensure residents of The Gatwick Hotel are supported ahead of any closure of the property.
The privately operated rooming house had been on the market for some time and the owners had indicated their intention to close the operation in coming months.
Given the pending closure, the Labor Government is working with agencies to ensure housing support is provided to residents.
St Kilda Community Housing has been engaged to determine the health and housing support needs of the current residents and work with a network of agencies in the relocation of residents to alternative accommodation.
The agency is an experienced provider of accommodation and has extensive experience working with the relocation of very vulnerable people and managing the associated challenges of rooming houses.
As per the Rooming House Protocol, residents are expected to be provided with a notice to vacate which will provide a date by which they are required to leave the premises.
Residents can face a wide range of issues depending on their individual circumstances and there will be a need to provide support as soon as possible.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“The Gatwick has long passed its time as a place that housed vulnerable people in safe and appropriate circumstances.”
“This can be a very stressful and confusing time for residents and we want to ensure that it is managed appropriately and that residents are treated with respect during this process.”
“As they are intending to close, we would seek the cooperation of the owners and ask that they close their books and take no more residents into the property.”
“With much of Fitzroy St and surrounds being held back by the Gatwick we can now look forward to working with traders, Council and the community to turn a corner in the area’s future.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020