The decision to relocate the Hastings Co-op Department Store to a temporary location to allow major renovations has been overturned.
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Originally, the High Street store was due to close for between 12 to 16 weeks, relocating to a top of town address.
That would have seen a warehouse-style site at 202 High Street.
The temporary closure is required to undertake the complete replacement of the entire flooring in the historic building. Large sections of the flooring were damaged in 2017 Boxing Day storms.
However, a decision has now been made to continue trading from the back area of the building, with customers accessing the building from the Cameron Street entrance.
A Co-op spokesperson said opening the side entrance and trading from the rear of the premises during the renovations was a 'great outcome'.
"There is still lots of space, easy access, ample parking and we will remain a presence in the Wauchope CBD," the spokesperson said.
The final day of trading from the High Street entrance is July 7.
The Department Store celebrated 25 years’ operation in 2017.
In 1882, JN Parker commenced business in premises leased from W Suters on Cameron Street before moving to a shop owned by CE Wright.
When that building burned down and Parkers moved their operation to a shop on High Street owned by E Stan Suter.
Eventually JN Parker & Sons moved to the Department Store building on High Street.