Heritage Council to acquire Kalgoorlie's Railway Hotel

Heritage Minister Jim McGinty has instructed the Heritage Council of Western Australia to take steps towards the compulsory acquisition of Kalgoorlie's Railway Hotel.

Mr McGinty said compulsory acquisition was the last resort in a long-running attempt to have the building restored to its former grandeur.

"The hotel was damaged by fire in November 1987 and five years later the owner, Ms Nancy Hall, has failed to commence restoration work," Mr McGinty said.

"The condition of the hotel is still deteriorating and its heritage values are in jeopardy.

"The situation has become a farce and compulsory acquisition appears the only way to break the deadlock."

Mr McGinty said the Heritage Council had 'bent over backwards' to assist Ms Hall, but to no avail.

"The Heritage Council has, therefore, offered to purchase the Railway Hotel from Ms Hall for $77,000," Mr McGinty said.

"If the offer is not taken up, moves towards compulsory acquisition could proceed under Section 73 (1) of the Heritage of Western Australia Act."

Mr McGinty said this would be the first time the section had been used since the Act came into force in February last year.

"I have been loath to take this course of action and there is no doubt that I would have preferred Ms Hall to carry out the restoration work.  However, it appears the State Government must act to ensure that historic buildings such as the Railway Hotel remain a part of the State's heritage," he said.