Insurer, Lend Lease has lodged a development application to bulldoze the former popular eatery.

The structure was gutted when fire broke out in the building’s rear on Monday, January 11. It left operators without a livelihood and employees out of work.

Gunning man, John Emery is overseeing the rebuilding process and efforts to secure a future tenant.

“The intention of the owner is to reconstruct the building as soon as possible, with Greengrocer in there,” he said.

“They were very happy with the way they were going. When it burnt down, it was suggested they go back in there and we thought it was a good idea.

“Con (Toparis) did a marvellous job. It was a bit of a sore thumb when he leased it but he turned it into a fantastic place that catered for everyone.”

Mr Emery said while insurance would cover some of the loss, it didn’t compensate for the disruption to people, including the community and the workers’ livelihoods.

Mr Toparis said he was unable to comment on the business’s future in the building at this stage.

The DA for the 1660 square metre site applies to demolish the damaged building. Only several internal columns and rafters can be retained, it states.

Strict controls surround its demolition, given the presence of asbestos in fibreboard, eves and fascias.

A separate DA will be required for the building’s replacement.

The structure was constructed in the mid 1970s for Dalgetys, which then became Landmark. With the shift of that business to Hume St, it stood vacant for a time before Greengrocer leased the space some nine to 10 years ago.

Mr Emery expected a similar type replacement but this depended on insurance and the DA assessment.

“We’d like to get it done as soon as possible - that’s our aim,” he said.

Meantime, local investor and developer Paul Stamatellis has scotched reports that Greengrocer would go into the Something Special space once that business shifted opposite.

He owns the building on the corner of Auburn and Market Streets with ARW Multigroup.

“Not that I know of,” he said when asked about Greengrocer’s occupancy.

“It will be up for lease from July 1. It’s a fantastic prime space and I’m sure it will be snapped up but we’re not actively pitching it at the moment.”

That said, he believed it would make “a great food space.”

ELSEWHERE in Goulburn, plans are afoot to transform former woolstores in Hume St into bulky goods outlets, selfstorage warehouses, offices, a car and truckwash.

A DA for the $3 million development has been lodged with Council by Canberra architects, Dowse, Norwood and Associates. It proposes adaptive re-use of the old woolstores, formerly occupied by Australian Wool Network.

An administration building will be refurbished to to house ancillary offices.

A self-serve and auto carwash, with a cafe will be located on one side, off Hume St, and the truckwash at the rear, closer to Finlay Rd.

The latter facility will rival the Goulburn Saleyard truckwash, which previously attracted criticism from carriers over its fees.

The Council says it’s early days in the bulky goods project’s assessment and planners are calling for more information from the proponent.

The development is one more for the growing Hume St ‘enterprise corridor.’

ARW Multigroup is still enlisting tenants for its bulky goods project nearby, building on BCF and The Pool Shop.

Another developer, Rodney Thompson, is yet to start work on an approved Caltex service station and fast food outlet on the corner of Ducks Lane and Hume St