Harris Scarfe was last year announced as the major new tenant of the building, which is to undergo an extensive redevelopment.

However, a business media report published in December queried the financial status of Harris Scarfe’s South African parent company Pepkor.

Orange City Centre (OCC) management confirmed on Wednesday that the development was on schedule.

OCC marketing manager Jessica Cunningham said the Myer building would be converted into one floor of retail for Harris Scarfe, a mini-major store and several specialty shops.

The adjacent Post Office Lane would also be revitalised with food stores and a new side entry.

“Works will start on redeveloping the building shortly after Myer close their doors on January 29, 2017,” Mrs Cunningham said.

It is expected it will take until June 2018 for completion with an opening soon after.

She said the centre management and Myer had planned several key events to mark the closing.

That would include a window display of heritage photos of the site and a farewell morning tea for the public and staff from 10am-noon on January 25.

“You can take a walk down memory lane and browse through a myriad of photos showing the history of the building and the people. Everyone is very welcome to attend,” she said.

Following the closure the Summer Street entrance to the OCC will be blocked off. Public entry will still be available from the underground car park and from Anson Street.

Mrs Cunningham said a hoarding over the old Myer entrance would be used to host a $1000 art competition for local school students.

“Our Orange, Our Schools is a program designed to farewell the past and herald the future, and celebrate what makes our town of Orange so special,” she said.

“Participating schools will be designing and painting a piece of artwork on a five-metre by 2.5-metre banner that will be displayed for approximately four weeks.”

The first artwork, by Orange Public School students will be displayed from early February.

The building was constructed in the 1860s.