The head of a company redeveloping a historic Launceston shopfront hopes to set an example for how businesses can work with the heritage of the city.
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Michael Hill chief executive Daniel Bracken visited the site of the former Hatton and Laws building this week ahead of its anticipated relaunch on March 21, a project which has sparked a personal interest after eliciting a large community reaction.
The City of Launceston council received 19 representations related to the works, raising concerns around the potential removal of the building’s street-level facade and stained glass windows.
But Mr Bracken said the works have focused on retaining and restoring both the original street-level tiling, brass window framing and curved glass corner, along with back-lighting upper lead windows.
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"I think the store is going to look better than when it was first built," Mr Bracken said.
With Michael Hill celebrating the 40th year since the opening of its first store this year - and the store design-focused founder still playing an active role - Mr Bracken though it was fitting the company was putting the effort in to breaking out of the "cookie cutter" mold.
A car crash on Monday afternoon damaged a portion of boarding erected around the store during works, though the construction team was still assessing possible damage to the facade.
Speaking to The Examiner in January, Mr Bracken said though the company now operates in three countries, it began rooted in its community and appreciates the chance to engage with new ones.
More coverage of the Hatton and Laws shopfront changes
- Michael Hill development application lodged with City of Launceston - December 23, 2018
- Hatton and Laws works: the community spoke, Michael Hill listened - January 27, 2019
- Historic Hatton and Laws shopfront works head to council, with changes - January 24, 2019
“That particular store is something I have invested in personally," he said.
"When I see an opportunity to connect to the community, it’s a great way to keep in touch with our original DNA.”
Council approved the development application for the site at its February 7 meeting, with plans the company had reconsidered following concerns raised by the community.
“From our perspective we heard the calling of the community,” Mr Bracken said at the time.
“We recognised there was a piece of heritage in some aspects of the store, and we’ve redesigned ... to keep some of those historic aspects.”
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