Bookshop coming home to site wrecked by blaze
The Works bookshop will return to its former spot in the County Town, it has been announced.
Its old home in Week Street was demolished in March last year after a suspected arson attack in June 2015.
The fire gutted the book and stationery shop, and also damaged four neighbouring buildings, causing an estimated £5 million of damage.
A man was arrested in connection with the incident, but the crown court case collapsed after a new witness came forward.
Construction of a new building in its place is nearing completion, and the owner, Killultagh Estates, hopes the shop will be open early next year.
A spokesman for the Belfast retail and office developer confirmed The Works would be returning to the retail space.
In August last year, The Works moved to the upper level of The Mall in Maidstone town centre.
The KM has approached the company to ask whether it will be closing this base.
Also returning to Week Street are works which were postponed because hoardings to assist the building repairs blocked the route of a new water pipe.
As these structures near completion, South East Water can return to carry out the work.
The £155,000 project to replace two 100- year- old mains in Week Street and Earl Street was due to start in January 2015, and will restart on Monday.
The old mains had burst 11 times since 2010.
South East Water hopes the 415m of new pipeline will be less prone to breaking, because they will have fewer joints and will last for at least 75 years.
The street will be open for pedestrians throughout the project, which is expected to take three weeks, and access to businesses will not be affected.
South East Water project manager Jeremy Dufour said: “This is essential to prevent future disruption and will complete the work we began before the fire.”
Police confirmed their investigation into the fire has concluded.