As the Lismore rebuild continues slowly but surely, we have more and more businesses reopening their doors (What's Open), while others are providing updates and timelines as to when they will reopen.

One of the larger companies with a massive rebuild is the SCA Property Group, which owns the Lismore Central Shopping Centre.

(The ground floor of Lismore Central as the cleanup was happening showing the size and scale of the job ahead. Photo: supplied)

In a statement to the Lismore App, SCA said it has commenced preliminary rebuild plans, with handover to its retailer partners scheduled for August/September 2022 (indicative only). 

The reinstatement plan intends to include the following (plans subject to change): 

• Reinstatement of retail tenancies on Ground Floor and Level 1 
• Level 1 mall upgrade to improve customer circulation 
• Fully refurbished Woolworths 
• External façade upgrade 
• Car park resurfacing 
• Reinstatement of vertical transport 

Michelle Tierney, Chief Operating Officer at SCA Property Group, said: “We are committed to rebuilding our centre and contributing to the rebuilding of Lismore and its prosperity.  

“Our plans to reinstate our centre have progressed which is a wonderful milestone to have made during these challenging times. Many of our retail partners are keen to rebuild and reopen their stores, and there will be new retail opportunities also.  

"Our purpose of creating thriving communities through local convenience has never resonated more. This is a milestone that brings our retail partners closer to reopening their businesses, the re-establishment of jobs to support this local economy, and giving the Lismore community the essentials so that they can thrive”. 

While SCA Property Group continues to mobilise its reinstatement plans, it has recently installed a 24m long hoarding that aims to inform, inspire, and bring vibrancy through colour and art. Working in partnership with three local artists, Kate Ahern, Eden Crawford-Harriman and Kate Stroud, who were also impacted by the recent floods, prints of artworks adorn the hoarding tunnel that takes customers from the car park to level 1.  

"Kate’s ‘Cool to be Kind’ piece is a wonderful reminder of the kindness and compassion the people of Lismore have shown, with Holly and Eden’s artwork ‘In the Heart’ becoming a symbol of love, hope and strength for the town. The pieces carry beautiful and powerful sentiment and are a small but vibrant symbol of the resilience of the Lismore community."  

How is business for those that have opened on the second floor of Lismore Central?

(Woolworths and Chempro on the second level of Lismore Central. Photo: Simon Mumford)

Melissa from Chempro said that while business is down 30-35% from pre-flood levels it is steadily improving.

Sabrina from Ciao Belli Cafe is serving coffees only but says their business is picking up each week. "We are one of only a few cafes open in the CBD," Sabrina said, "So, that helps but we also have loyal customers that know we lost our house as well."

(Ciao Belli to the left with PJ's Fruit & Veg to the right of the second floor Lismore Central. Photo: Simon Mumford)

Natasha from PJ's Fruit & Veg is not feeling as positive with trade down 75% on what it was on their ground floor level store. PJ's is a pop-up shop as you come up the ramp from the car park.

As more and more businesses open, remember to get into the CBD and Shop Local.