Plans to replace Greengrocer on Clifford, the popular eatery, fruit and vegetable  and bike shop, have been lodged, six months after fire destroyed the building.

Caffeine and lycra deprived patrons have been eagerly awaiting the development.

Former tenant, Con Toparis will reinstate the interior layout and outdoor dining. The cafe was a popular drop-in for politicians and the city’s movers and shakers.

Fire destroyed the building on the evening of January 11. The blaze started in the premise’s rear but was not suspicious, investigators said.

Patrons were in mourning the following day, describing Greengrocer as a social outlet and giving people “a reason to live.”

John Emery, who’s acting for the owner, wants to restore that atmosphere.

“It was a great place and the sooner it goes back, the better,” he said.

“Con wants it back there and we want him back there too.”

Mr Toparis did not return requests for comment by the time of going to press.

Mr Emery said the insurance company had insisted on a like-for-like replacement.

Construction tenders will be called soon after approval.

For now, the decision lies with Council.

The development application details $450,000 in building works, including the restaurant, kitchen, service counter, amenities and receival dock.

The cafe will be open 6am to 11pm Monday to Friday, 7am-10pm Saturday and Sunday and employ 10 people. The bike shop will have three employees.

The exterior design is similar to the former one, with extensive glass front and brick superstructure.

Dutaillis Architects director Andrew Randall said Council’s heritage advisor had suggested some design changes, like more windows on the Ellesmere St frontage to lessen the mass.

Similarly, brick colour will fit in with the heritage precinct.

The architects had to complete a heritage impact statement as part of the DA.

Mr Randall said no added fire protection was required above the Building Code of Australia standards.

Planning staff, rather than councillors are expected to decide the DA.

“We’ve had a few fires in town now and the general advice is that places struggle to be open again a year after the event,” Mr Randall said.

He estimated construction to take 20 weeks, pending approval.

Mr Emery said tenders would consider local firms and speed of construction.

“We’re looking forward to getting it up and running as soon as possible,” he said.

“...It attracted everyone. You had collars and ties and tradespeople turning up there. It had the atmosphere.

“In Con’s words, it worked, so why would you change it?”

Local cyclists have sought refuge at other cafes since Greengrocer’s demise. Now they’re champing at the bit to get back.

Hume MP Angus Taylor is among them.

“The best part of my life is engaging with the community and I have deeply missed the Greengrocer on Clifford not being around for the last six months because this was a place where I used to engage with the community regularly,” Mr Taylor said. 

“I have found other ways to engage through sport and other community groups and I am still riding the bike, though it is harder during winter.”