Three boarding houses in Newcastle have received orders from City of Newcastle to shut down due to a perceived risk to life in the event of a fire.
The emergency orders have been issued on a Bourke Street heritage-listed property at Carrington and another two buildings at Waratah Street, Mayfield.
City of Newcastle CEO, Jeremy Bath, said the vulnerable boarders have been left at risk as a result of illegally constructed units and unauthorised building alterations made by the owner of the building.
"We've had to make the difficult but necessary decision to close these premises after our fire safety engineer identified an extreme risk to lives in the event of a fire," Mr Bath said.
More than 60 men are currently living across the three properties despite only 32 men being registered to board.
The owner has been ordered to pay back any forward rent and fix the illegal alterations to comply with the appropriate laws and regulations.
City of Newcastle is working alongside St Vincent de Paul Society’s Matthew Talbot Homeless Service, Family and Community Services, and Hunter Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service to find accommodation for the men.
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| Jeremy Bath. Picture: Newcastle Herald |
