Future of cafe building uncertain following fire

Builders are still investigating the extent of damage at the Creek Cafe and Bar in Dunmore St, following a large kitchen fire on Saturday, and the fate of the building is not yet clear.

Ian Little, of Oamaru, who represents the building's owners, said yesterday he did not expect to have a full picture for some time, but it was apparent the damage was extensive and the premises could not be repaired and occupied for at least three months.

Invercargill-based fire service investigator Michael Cahill said on Saturday he believed a "malfunction in the deep-fryers" caused the intense blaze that destroyed the kitchen and damaged the ceiling and roof just after 1pm on Saturday.

Mr Little said the building owner, Helwick Street Properties Ltd, was happy with the initial fire investigation report about the cause of the fire, but some things still needed to be clarified.

Once the builders had finished assessing the damage, the owner would have to work out the cost of repairs and decide whether to repair or do something else, Mr Little said.

"Nothing is totally certain ...

"I feel very sorry for the tenant, who would have had bookings over Christmas."

Stacy Parfitt, the leaseholder and proprietor of the Creek Cafe and Bar, said he was holding out hope he could eventually reopen.

"I haven't really heard. That is still being sorted out ...

"At the moment I don't really know much ...

"It's all right.

"No-one is dead.

"I am cleaning up, and hope to get the ball rolling again," Mr Parfitt said yesterday.

Most of his staff had indicated they would like to stay on, but they would have to take a Christmas holiday, he said.

The building is owned by Helwick Street Properties Ltd, which has a registered office in Oamaru and Ian Little and Natalie Evans are the company's property managers, not the building owners, as reported on Monday.

The company also owns the nearby buildings occupied by the Bella Vista Motels, the Base clothing and ski rental store and the Wanaka Health 2000 shop.

 

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