Bunnings reopens flood-hit southside store, no word on Oxley

Bunnings Rocklea has reopened four months after it was inundated during the February floods while the fate of the Oxley store remains up in the air.

Bunnings’ flood-hit Rocklea store reopened on the weekend after major repairs, with the hardware giant using the natural disaster to add new features including a revamped cafe and kitchen design centre.

It had to seek specialist advice to ensure the warehouse was structurally and hygienically safe to reopen.

But the hardware giant said it still had not decided what to do with its Oxley store, although redevelopment options in the coming six to 12 months could include a flood-resilient design.

Oxley staff have been redeployed to other warehouses.

Both stores received major damage in the February deluge, forcing customers to use outlets at Acacia Ridge and Mt Gravatt.

The revamped Rocklea Bunnings now includes energy efficient LED lighting throughout, a children’s playground, new bathroom displays and new format Trade Desk for tradies.

Rocklea Bunnings is back in business.

“Our Rocklea warehouse will continue to have all the features that customers know and love, as well as some great new concepts to provide customers with more inspiration and an even better shopping experience,’’ Bunnings Rocklea Complex Manager, Jon Fenton, said.

“We know it’s been a really challenging time for the community and we thank them for their patience while we worked through the repairs of the Rocklea store.’’

Bunnings has organised several special events next weekend (June 18 and 19), from 2-5pm on both days, to thank the community for its patience.

There will be giveaways, games, free D.I.Y. workshops for children and guest appearances by celebrity chef Alastair McLeod and Fireman Sam on the Saturday.

There is a meet and greet with Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, as well as Batman, on the Sunday.

Gallery: Brisbane flood destruction from the air

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Bunnings said the community would be kept updated in coming months about the future of the Oxley store.

Both Rocklea and Oxley went under in the 2011 flood and had to be closed for about two months.

There was also minor flooding at Oxley in 2017.

February flooding at Bunnings Oxley.