Jennifer Pittorino
Some Williamstown residents have been left saddened to see the remnants of the iconic Titanic restaurant taken down.
Described by one resident as a “local legend”, Titanic on Nelson has long been a gathering place for celebrations and events.
Jacqueline Travaglia grew up with the “amazing” restaurant, which is why she was devastated to see the chimneys come down.
“The iconic chimneys were removed and Williamstown residents have mixed feelings about the removal,” she said.
With rumours the restaurant is being restored to a pub, Ms Travaglia feels any renovation should include reference to the building’s history as home to the famous restaurant.
“I think they should at least have a room dedicated to the Titanic as that pub’s history,” she said.
“It is nice to keep the remnants of each piece of its history and the Titanic is a big chunk of the history of the building.”
In December 2022 , Titanic on Nelson made way for new leasees, Robyn and Bill Mcinerey.
“The first thing the council said to us was that we had to remove all Titanic references,” Robyn Mcinerey said.
“We were very disappointed that everything had to go. We also have to take down the Titanic sign.”
As lessees, both Ms Mcinerey and her husband feel that the removal of the memorabilia should be up to the owner of the building.
“It is not our building we are just leasing it so we had hoped they would need to do it through the landlord,” she said.
With little to no help from the owner of the building, Ms Mcinerey and her husband are struggling to pay for the costly removals.
“All these changes are costing us money when it shouldn’t because it’s got nothing to do with us,” she said.
“We have been classified as a restaurant for a long time, we are a restaurant with live music.“
A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson said the operator/occupier of the Titanic-themed restaurant ceased trading more than eight months ago.
“The planning permit for the restaurant building requires all temporary building elements, including decor, to be removed when the ship theme restaurant ceases to operate,“ they said.
“All temporary building elements must be removed within six months of closure of the ship theme restaurant.
“The Planning and Environment Act makes both the owner and occupier responsible for complying with the planning permit.”
The building at 1 Nelson Place was listed for sale in January.
Star Weekly attempted to make contact with the owner, but was told by the real estate representative that he didn’t wish to comment.
