Foodstuffs has announced it is “100% committed to rebuilding” the New World Victoria Park supermarket at its original site, following a fire that damaged the store in June.
“Work is well under way to make our fire-damaged site safe for entry,” New World said.
“Right now, it’s still too dangerous for anyone to go inside, but specialist crews and structural engineers are on-site, carefully stabilising the building so we can begin the recovery.”
“We’re 100% committed to rebuilding a new supermarket on the same site. Our focus is on getting back up and running as quickly as we can, but safety comes first.”
In a media release, Foodstuffs North Island, the company behind New World, said, “Work is progressing at the fire-damaged New World Victoria Park site, with safety the top priority as crews begin the staged recovery process.”
Cranes are being used to lift heavy materials from the roof, while structural supports are being stabilised and the interior readied for the safe extraction of stock and equipment.
After the building is declared safe, a comprehensive clean-up and site restoration will take place, adhering strictly to environmental, health, and sustainability guidelines.
“The co-operative expects safe entry and internal demolition to be completed within the next six weeks, subject to weather and on-site conditions. Structural engineers will then assess what can remain and what must be demolished.”
New World Victoria Park employed more than 180 people. According to Foodstuffs North Island, “All roles at Victoria Park have been disestablished, but support is in full swing with 23 Auckland stores having offered more than 100 vacancies across a range of roles. We are working one-on-one with impacted team members to support their next steps.”