It’s been 655 days since the old Myer store closed its doors for the last time – and finally work has begun on redeveloping the Summer Street site.
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The Orange City Centre managers announced in a newsletter on Wednesday the work should take about 12 months to complete.
“We are pleased to advise that work has recommenced on the redevelopment of Orange City Centre, with completion targeted by Christmas 2019,” it said.
“Inten Constructions are currently working through site establishment and preparing for commencement of construction.
“The redevelopment will create a new and exciting retail environment which will accommodate a new food court, a mini-major and a range of specialty shops.”
The centre managers have not yet announced which stores will take up tenancy in the complex.
It is understood Best and Less is one chain considering moving in from its current Summer Street address.
The store was contacted for comment.
Work has recommenced on the redevelopment of Orange City Centre.
- Centre management newsletter
The centre managers have also released four artists’ impressions of what the new complex will look like.
The images reveal the arcade that will lead into the centre of the complex and two views of the food court area that will be a major feature.
There is also an exterior view showing the ‘dining terrace’ which will comprise eateries on a raised platform along Post Office Lane.
Orange City Council approved revised plans for the site in September.
Under the plans the Orange City Centre manager Alceon Group now has approval for a six-shop food court with five kiosks rather than a Harris Scarfe department store, as was originally planned.
The plans also allow for one mini-major site with 20 retail tenancies also approved.
Much of the existing building will be demolished to make way for a new building, however the historic facades will be preserved to keep alive the appearance of the store site which has been a icon in Orange for many years.
The redevelopment planning and approval has taken far longer than was originally envisaged.
READ MORE: Myer building announcement expected
Back in August 2016 council approved a shopping centre development that should have been ready to open this Christmas.
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