Futures of flood-smashed Rocklea, Oxley Bunnings stores revealed

Bunnings says one of its warehouses that was smashed during Brisbane’s devastating February floods will reopen within weeks, however the outlook isn’t so good for the other.

THE future of two flood ravaged Brisbane Bunnings stores can be revealed with one to remain closed indefinitely and potentially be redeveloped.

Bunnings Warehouse stores in Oxley and Rocklea were left devastated from the catastrophic flooding events of February.

Bunnings regional operations manager Jason Doyle confirmed the Rocklea store was on track to reopen within weeks however, the Oxley store will remain closed as it explores development opportunities.

It was understood Bunnings is working on redevelopment options on its Oxley store, including floodproof design concepts, over the next six to 12 months.

The Oxley store will remain closed while the opportunities are being explored.

Bunnings Oxley will remain closed indefinitely following the devastating February floods.

Mr Doyle said the Oxley staff would continue to work at and support nearby stores, as they had over the past two and a half months.

“We are really pleased to confirm that we are on track to reopen our Rocklea store in mid-June,” Mr Doyle said.

“We continue to provide care and support to all our Rocklea and Oxley team, and we thank them for their amazing work helping the community with recovery efforts.

“The safety and wellbeing of our team and customers is our number one priority, and we remain focused on getting Rocklea opened safely as soon as possible to provide the local community access to the products they need.”

Gallery: Brisbane flood destruction from the air

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The stores sustained significant damage from the floors and had to undergo a full sanitisation clean and major repairs.

Mr Doyle said specialist teams had been busy making sure the Rocklea store was hygienically safe and structurally sound.

The teams also rectified any store-related damage, rejuvenated floors and rebuilt amenities.

“Our store team is now back on site and we’re currently in the re-fit phase, where our teams are re-racking and re-merchandising, getting ready for reopening,” he said.

Mr Doyle said the community would be kept updated in coming weeks about the future of both stores.

Both Rocklea and Oxley stores were victims of the 2011 flooding and had to be closed for about two months.