At last week’s Orange City Council meeting, acting development services director Mark Hodges confirmed the order had gone out on March 7 and property owner Eid Eid had not appealed within the 28-day cutoff.

Councillor Neil Jones referred to a story in the Central Western Daily in March, which reported Mr Eid would submit a development application (DA) for a community and childcare centre within weeks.

Mr Hodges confirmed a DA had not been submitted.

“The compliance period is three months and following that, the council can carry out the works and seek the costs from the owner,” Mr Hodges said.

Councillor Jason Hamling replied it was “about time”.

Mr Eid was given a notice of intention to issue a demolition order in December and February, giving him 28 days to respond to the council on why an order should not be issued.

Cr Jones said after the meeting Mr Eid needed to comply with the latest order.

“The Glenroi Community Group has indicated kids are still getting through the roof – the owner has said he’s put barbed wire in, but there’s anecdotal evidence that’s not the case,” he said.

He said the council only wanted the site to be made useful for the community.

“There’s been assurances but nothing has happened and the community is saying no more promises, no more lies,” he said.

He indicated the council might have the option to purchase the property.

Glenroi Community Alliance spokeswoman Melissa Hatton echoed the sentiments.

“A youth centre there would be awesome, some sort of hub,” she said.

“Then youth would have somewhere to go and we can operate activities.”

She said the shopping centre did nothing for Glenroi’s image.

“People drive into Glenroi and see that,” she said.

The shopping centre was previously home to a supermarket, hardware store, ceramics shop and hairdresser.

Mr Eid could not be reached for comment, however he has previously threatened legal action if an order was issued.