Fire-ravaged Capalaba hub reborn as state-of-art medical village

Gutted by fire two years ago, a popular Capalaba strip of shops has transformed into a state-of-the-art medical hub. But shoppers can still visit the popular former food and speciality traders.

New shops, anchored by a massive Chemist Warehouse, have reopened at the site of the fire which gutted the centre at Capalaba in 2021. Picture: Contributed

A popular retail strip, gutted by a devastating fire two years ago, has been reborn to include a state-of-the-art medical village with new outlets set to open in the heart of the bayside business hub by August.

In a remarkable transformation, the Capalaba shopping precinct, on Old Cleveland Rd, has risen from the ashes with more than 15 existing traders joining Chemist Warehouse and radiology specialist I-Med.

Fire fighters at the scene of the devastating fire in September 2021. Picture: Courier-Mail

The premises of more than 10 businesses were demolished after the fire broke out at the rear of the centre at Capalaba Corner and 89-107 Old Cleveland Rd, in the early hours of September 9, 2021.

The blaze ripped through the complex and neighbouring shops, gutting an entire section of the complex, necessitating a complete demolition.

Melin Vietnamese and Chinese, Elemental Connection, Capalaba Hair Design, Chemist Warehouse, Tru-Brew, My Physio, QML Pathology, Workways, Redlands Medical Centre and the Colonic Clinic all suffered major damage and their premises were demolished.

The blaze was brought under control within hours but the centre had to be demolished. Picture: Contributed

Other shops, including cafe Wisdom in a Cup and Macwell Property were affected by smoke but later reopened in the same location after the disaster while Melin restaurant reopened away from the complex, around the corner, at 22 Redland Bay Rd, Capalaba.

Paynters Insurance team, along with Vero and McLarens, ensured the gutted site was made safe quickly and led an extensive redesign and reconstruction.

Tenants from the shopping centre on the day that the fire gutted their premises. Picture: Tara Croser

The newly rebuilt premises are now anchored by a massive 800 sqm Chemist Warehouse and I-Med Radiology, which offers services including X-ray, ultrasound, CAT scans, and bone density scans.

But shoppers can also visit many of the former retailers with African goods store Cutman Foods, Gold Sun Chinese and Vietnamese Restaurant, Flavours of Asia, Legacy Barber Shop, Body Beautiful Studio, Gold Class Massage, Capalaba Laundromat, Pop Eyes Skate Shop and QML Pathology still trading at the site.

Ray White Commercial Bayside director Nathan Moore said the phoenix-like resurgence of the retail strip marked a significant milestone for the community, with a blend of modern healthcare facilities and the spirit of resilience and renewal.

Mr Moore said Paynters Insurance team, along with Suncorp ensured the site was made safe quickly and some of the former tenants able to reopen immediately.

The new centre includes 12 medical and allied health businesses including I-Med and Chemist Warehouse. Picture: Contributed

However, he said the final fit-outs for the high-technology suites, including I-Med, had to wait until Energex installed a massive transformer last year.

“The slab and subgrade required removal and reinstatement, which presented a unique challenge,” Mr Moore said.

“However, this challenge was also an opportunity to re-imagine the space and create something truly special for Capalaba.

“Chemist Warehouse, is a longstanding tenant, and this continuity provides a sense of stability and familiarity for locals.

Tenants including Chemist Warehouse are already operating at the massive Capalaba retail strip with other outlets due to open by August. Picture: Contributed

“The new precinct also includes improved accessibility, meeting all disability compliance standards, and offers plenty of parking both at the front and rear.”

As well as I-Med Radiology, the precinct will soon be home to a mix of medical and allied health services, to create a holistic health destination.

A large GP clinic, orthopaedic surgeons, and a physiotherapy practice are all set to open by August, bringing together a range of healthcare services under the one roof.

Mr Moore said many of the final medical and allied health services tenants were being finalised with those outlets due to open at the new centre by mid-August.

Originally published as Fire-ravaged Capalaba hub reborn as state-of-art medical village