Billionaire Chinese developers have been ordered to clean up a graffiti-covered eyesore in Melbourne which has been allowed to fall derelict on a key city gateway site.
Neighbours of the former Cancer Council building opposite Carlton Gardens say the abandoned office has become infested with rodents and littered with human waste from squatters.
But the City of Melbourne had struggled to force the owners to improve the Rathdowne Street site, which was purchased for more than $20.6 million by the company of Chinese tycoon Wang Hua in 2013.
In a letter obtained by Fairfax Media, the council claimed that the building's owner was "unwilling to remove the graffiti" until a new tenant was secured.
The letter cites the expense of the clean.
"The quote for council to remove the graffiti was determined to be too costly as there is a high chance the graffiti will return due to the building being vacant with no management in place," the letter said.
The block is owned by Kingsland Timber (Australia), previously headed by Mr Wang, known for allegedly flying into the country on a private plane carrying suitcases of cash.
The former Cancer Council building in October last year. Photo: Google
The directorship of the company has since been transferred to his former wife Xiaoyan (Kylie) Bao.
It is not the first time the couple has been embroiled in controversies involving local assets.
Ms Bao bought the sprawling Toorak mansion "Idylwilde" for $18.5 million in 2013, only to demolish the century-old property two years later.
The mansion at 16 St Georges Road before its demolition. Photo: Supplied
The episode horrified neighbours.
"They don't care," said Toorak resident Ann Singer at the time.
"They just wipe out a home that was absolutely beautiful. Why is this house being destroyed?"
The bulldozers move in. Photo: Eddie Jim
The family has also been criticised for neglecting one of Victoria's most prestigious golf clubs, the Heritage Golf and Country Club in Chirnside Park.
This week the Magistrates Court ordered Kingsland Timber to pay $13,337 in costs and compensation for failing to comply with a September emergency order to ensure that all of the entry points at the former Cancer Council site were secure.
The court also ordered the company to erect a solid board hoarding around the perimeter and ensure security monitored the building.
It was claimed the condition of the site posed a risk to life and property.
By Wednesday, it appeared the hoarding had been installed.
Chinese businessman Wang Hua.
Kingsland Timber spokesman, Craig Binnie, said they were aware of the court order and working to secure the building, however previous attempts to board up the site had not deterred squatters.
"No matter what we try they keep breaking in," Mr Binnie said.
"If the council promises to fast track any future development plan, the building will be made safe and secure even faster," he added.
Melbourne councillor Nicholas Reece said the ruling should serve as a warning to other landholders in the city sitting on derelict sites.
"We would like to see this gateway site developed in a way that's sensitive to its surrounds and, most importantly, adds something back to the city," Cr Reece said,
"At the moment it's the exact opposite of that. Not only is it derelict, it's attracting derelict behaviour."
A council spokeswoman said council officers and contractors were working with the owners of a number of other unused buildings in the city to ensure they were safe and secured.
"This work is happening outside of the court process and, if unsuccessful, court action will be considered," she said.