Plans underway to revive Torquay’s Gilbert Street Arcade

Plans to rebuild the arcade damaged by a recent fire in Torquay’s Gilbert Street are currently in the works.

A devastating fire late on April 14 resulted in the demolition of all six businesses, including Italo’s Wood Fired Pizza and McCartney Real Estate.

The fire, which required extensive efforts from both Torquay and Geelong firefighters, was brought under control in the early hours of April 15.

Initially, there was speculation that the pizza oven or an exhaust fan caused the fire, but despite extensive investigation, the exact cause could not be determined.

Graeme McCartney, who owns the arcade, said he wants to rebuild the site in its original footprint.

“If the planning gods smile on me, the rebuild will follow the same footprint that I built in 1987, single story and almost exactly what I had.”

“You would imagine that town planning, if you are replacing a building on the same footprint, wouldn’t involve all the rigmarole that may be the case these days.”

Graeme’s father, George McCartney, established Torquay’s first real estate office, G.R. McCartney & Son, in 1952, and Graeme joined the firm in 1965.

In 2022, McCartney Real Estate celebrated its 70th birthday.

“I didn’t have tenants; I had friends in there for some 15-20 years. I would hope to get them in and up and running again,” he said.

“The people of Torquay have been absolutely wonderful. I’ve seen people with tears in their eyes talking about their children growing up and running through the arcade.”

“It would be great to get the original tenants back in their businesses.”

McCartney Real Estate Director Tim Carson said the fire had burnt the building but not their spirits.

“It’s been a very difficult six weeks. I wouldn’t wish this upon anybody, but we have got through it.”

“A lot of history is gone, but we are extremely lucky we are all fit and healthy and no one died.”

They have temporarily moved into unit 2, number 16 Gilbert Street.

Despite the devastation to the business, incredibly, the key cupboard did not burn, meaning they had all the keys to the properties they managed.

“800 keys were saved, but we lost a lot of history,” he said.

“The support from the local community and clients, landlords, tenants, vendors, and purchasers has been absolutely amazing.”

Surf Coast Shire community life general manager Damian Waight said the council was waiting for more detail.

“We’re waiting to learn more about the longer-term future plans for the site,” he said.