On Monday, police investigators were able to gain access to areas previously deemed too unsafe.

Inspector John Sheehan said structural engineers shored up the building to allow police to go about their work.

“At this stage the cause is undetermined, but the investigations have not turned up anything suspicious,” he said yesterday.

“There is too much damage to determine exactly where and why it started.”

Nevertheless, police believe the blaze began in the kitchen area, towards the building’s rear.

Police investigations at the scene are now complete. They will prepare a brief for the coroner, as required by law when damage exceeds $500,000.

Inspector Sheehan said it was now a matter for the owners, the insurance company and the council as to whether it would be rebuilt.

The blaze broke out shortly after 8pm on Monday, January 11. Longtime patrons and the cycling community have been saddened by its loss. Many hoped the popular eatery would be reconstructed.

Meantime, police have declared as suspicious a fire that destroyed a large upper storey section of the former St John’s orphanage.

The blaze broke out in the roof area of the Mundy St facility at about 3.45pm on Wednesday, November 4 last year.

Police are still investigating. Hume Local Area crime manager Detective Inspector Chad Gillies renewed calls for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Goulburn police.