One year after the Beechworth IGA was destroyed by fire, a date for the building’s reopening has been confirmed.
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Ritchies IGA chief executive Fred Harrison visited the town on Monday to announce the store would be up and running in November.
“If you’d asked me 12 months ago, did I think we would be more advanced today? The answer is probably yes,” he said.
“Part of the delays were with this fire – it was never clear-cut.
“Had everything collapsed, there would be no discussions as to whether walls stay or go … because they stayed, insurance companies went through options.”
An initial analysis deemed the walls satisfactory, but a further report recommended they all be removed.
Mr Harrison said after three assessments, the final plans – to begin taking shape mid-February – would incorporate a bit of both.
“Some walls, particularly where the fire started, are likely to come down, whereas others will remain,” he said.
“We looked at a larger supermarket – but not for long, because it would’ve added two years to the process.
“We’ve all agreed to go back with the same box, but internally, it will be totally different.
“We will probably double staff when the new store opens, as we’ll be introducing things like a supermarket-type bakery, more fresh food departments and products like sushi, which require specialty staff.”
As thanks to the Beechworth community for their patience, Mr Harrison donated $15,000 for a cover on the town’s pool.
Indigo Council mayor Jenny O’Connor said it would maximise planned solar heating and reduce maintenance costs.
“We’re very grateful for this, and it will make a big difference to the upkeep of the pool,” she said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge it is a year to the day since that terrible event.
“I’d like to thank the staff and Fred for making such a fantastic effort, alongside members of the community, who came together to make sure we kept going.
“A year on, we’re pleased to hear things are under way.”
Mr Harrison also thanked the community.
“We had no store for a 10-week period and that caused a fair degree of mayhem,” he said.
“I would like to give all credit to the staff working in the pop-up store – it has been trying circumstances.
“The McCormacks have been a terrific family to work with and they’ve gone through a lot of inconveniences as landlords.
“We’re in a lot of regional places, but I have never come across a more passionate local community than Beechworth.”