A YEAR after two students from Helena College rallied Kalamunda’s community spirit to redevelop a vacant office building, gaining almost 1000 signatures on their petition, the lot remains abandoned.

Helena College students Izzy Eastman and Penny Blyth presented a petition to City of Kalamunda last year, calling for renewal of the building on 12 Mead Street known to residents as the ‘pigeon hotel’.

Towards the end of 2023, the property was finally put on the market after more than a decade of inaction, as reported in Students’ petition drives first steps to change in Kalamunda.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the city had been in communication with the landowner of 12 Mead Street, which had not been occupied since 2010 when the medical centre at the site ceased operations.

“The city has passed on the concerns of the community, citing the poor appearance of the building,” she said.

“The landowner is required to ensure that the building is safe, and the city encouraged the landowner to take further action to minimise the amenity impact of the building such as shade-cloth with artwork being added to the fence, painted panelling to block windows, and pest control.

“The site is currently for sale and the city has contacted the landowner and agent to provide support to any enquiries from prospective purchasers.”

Izzy said it was disappointing to see the state of the building deteriorate after the support from the community and outpouring of ideas for its renewal.

“We are really disappointed to see that the state of the building at 12 Mead Street has worsened within the year since we presented our Put a Sock on It petition to the Kalamunda council,” she said.

“The petition included over 1000 signatures from residents who think the building is a disastrous eyesore, attracting more bad attention than good and overshadowing the updated mall.

“There are so many opportunities for this building, that was revealed in the petition: a youth centre, student housing or a boutique hotel.

“We would love to see it get some more positive attention and investment within our great community so we can see a new and functioning estate for all to enjoy and be rewarded from.”

Colliers investment services manager Shane Isaacs said they were not actively marketing it but the owner is looking at other options.

“We’ve had local kids take it upon themselves to put bricks through the windows and break in, so it’s not for lack of trying to secure the building,” he said.

“If the owner’s talks come to fruition it’ll be a great outcome for the community there, but these things don’t happen overnight.”