Myer at Roselands Shopping Centre was meant to close in July, but will remain in the shopping centre until January next year, when its lease concludes. By its closure, it would have traded for 61 years, opening originally as Grace Bros, before rebranding in 2004 (alongside all Grace Bros Stores). Grace Bros was also the original owner of the centre.
During its decades of trade, its lowest moment was on June 13 1969, when a fire broke out at the store, estimated at $3 million. The top floor of the department store and roof caught fire. The roof also collapsed. There was water and smoke damage to the rest of the store and the shopping centre itself.
The fire began around 4:15 pm and was likely triggered by an electrical fault in the switchbaord.
Above: Coverage from The Daily Telegraph, June 14, 1969.
Source: Anonymous. 1969. "Roselands store wrecked by fire". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 14: 1 & 9.
"The smaller shops on the lower floors" (The Sun, June 14 1969) were reported to have reopened the next day, while Grace Bros was able to resume trading exactly one week after, even if it was a partial reopening.
Source: Davis, G. 1969. Sprinklers off as fire raged. The Sun, June 14: 2.
The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader (June 18 1969) also featured good coverage of the fire along with photographs.
No comments:
Post a Comment