The developer behind the proposed revamp of Richmond’s neglected Nylex site has been given 21 days to clean up the former maltings buildings on the banks of the Yarra – or face hefty fines.

Caydon Property Group fought a lengthy planning battle against Yarra Council and ultimately won the right to develop about 1000 apartments on the site in several stages.

A mural on the Nylex silos. Credit:Eddie Jim

But the project has not yet begun. Part of the site burnt down last year, and a second fire caused significant damage. The site is also regularly broken into by people wanting to climb to the building’s rooftop.

The Nylex clock and the wider Richmond Maltings site, which were built in the 1850s to brew beer and store grain, are protected on the Victorian Heritage Register.