Albury Globe Building redevelopment nearing completion with globe return

But, unlike its predecessor atop the Globe Building, which was removed when the original verandah was demolished in the mid-1960s, the replacement fixture will spin, taking about 90 seconds to complete a single revolution.

The globe was lifted back into place at 5.30am on Friday with building owner, Howlong's Ivan Peppe and members of his family, part of a small crowd to see the historic moment.

"It's a relief more than anything," Mr Peppe said.

"The building had been neglected for so long, but if you looked further than that and took the cobwebs away there was an opportunity to make something special.

"But you had to look beyond the fog.

"It is a premier spot in Albury, but for some reason it was just let go."

The replacement globe is 1.8 metres in diameter and was built at Grove Steel Solution in Jindera.

The company was doing the steel work on the major refurbishment of the building under head contractor Premier Building & Construction when approached to create the signature element of the redevelopment which began late last year.

"There are not a lot of people who have the ability to do that type of work," PBC owner Anthony Baker said.

"We all thought it would be really cool if we could make it spin rather than just sit up there as a 3D figure.

"The whole design is meant to look like a globe that sits on your desk.

"Using that arm around the back allowed us to fit a motor in the top.

"The continents have been placed in their exact locations just like a normal globe."

Electrical work was carried out by another local firm, Laser Electrical.

Three dimensional modelling was undertaken before the project was handed to Jeremy Grove's business.

The globe weighs 200kg and is made of stainless steel with the continents created from laser cut aluminium.

"It's not often you get to do something like this," Mr Groves said.

"I'm very grateful to Ivan and Anthony to give us the opportunity.

"The concept and design work took about six months, but the actual fabrication time was around six weeks.

"Thankfully it went smoothly this morning."

AW Commercial has been appointed leasing agent for the building.

"This is an important development for Albury CBD showing the strength of the retail property market after a turbulent 2020," agent Scott Mann said.

"National retail brands are eager to expand into regional cities where sales are less impacted by metro trading conditions."

Educom IT is one of the new tenants already attracted to the building and will open on Dean Street.

"Tenancy mix is vital, we have a defined leasing strategy to ensure success for retailers and the development overall," Mr Mann said.

"Terms have been agreed on five shops prior to completion with the first handover taking place this week.

"This demonstrates the momentum that's building for strip retailers which we believe will continue in 2021."

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