Site foreman Corey Meka (right) and builder Billy Parker stand proudly in front of the restored heritage façade — a project that blends Tatura’s rich history with a modern vision for the future.
In the heart of Tatura’s main street, a piece of local history is being brought back to life.
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The redevelopment of the IGA site has not only delivered a modern supermarket for the community but also breathed new life into one of the town’s most recognisable heritage façades.
Reporter Kelly Lucas-Carmody sat down with Corey Meka, site foreman on the project, to talk about the meticulous restoration process, the importance of preserving Tatura’s history, and the passion driving local involvement behind the scenes.
From unearthing the craftsmanship of the past to managing a $20 million redevelopment alongside owner Alan Fisher, Corey shares how this landmark project has blended tradition with progress — ensuring the building’s legacy continues for generations to come.
How and when did the idea come about to restore the historical building?
It was always a requirement that we leave the building structurally safe.
After the guys from 9 Mile Demolition handed the building back to us, leaving only the façade, it was then that we got to really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into this building.
They don’t build them like that anymore, so Alan’s decision to restore it was an easy one.
Can you tell us a bit about the building’s history?
The building is in excess of 110 years old. With an image supplied to us from the Tatura Irrigation and Wartime Camps Museum taken in the 1920s, signage shows the site was home to a bootmaker and men’s wear stores, with a laneway down the middle separating the shops.
Another image shows a fuel station was located at the building in the 1950s. During the restoration, we uncovered tanks and an underground cellar. It was hard to fathom the difficulties that the builders must have faced in those times with installing those assets underground. Approval of no soil contamination was given, and works could recommence.
The building was later used by a mechanic and would see two shops transition into one, with the roof line connecting and a shop front added. Since this transition, the building has been primarily used as a supermarket for the community. I love hearing the locals stop in and share their stories of their connection to the building over the years.
How did your role as builder and project manager come about alongside Alan Fisher?
Alan was seeking a local for the role, which was always his intention. I was approached, and from my first meeting with Alan and viewing the plans, I couldn’t pass this opportunity up. Previously to this role, I worked as a carpenter for my father.
I will always be appreciative of Alan for giving me the opportunity and responsibility. This project allowed me to develop, resulting in my growth, seeing me become a company owner, now subcontracting to Alan.
Can you tell me a bit more about Alan Fisher and his role in the project?
Alan Fisher has a connection to Tatura and the building. He was formerly the owner of Fisher’s IGA, later selling his business to Ritchies, although remaining the landlord.
As Ritchies had a vision for a 2500sqm supermarket, the store needed to be expanded, so Alan developed a new store suited to their requirements.
Alan’s current position is owner/director of Fisher Developments, the construction company that carried out the new IGA development and restoration of the existing building.
Why was it important for Alan to restore the building to its former glory?
I think what really contributed to Alan’s decision was how well the community adapted to the new development of the supermarket.
The locals’ support for Ritchies exceeded expectations. Seeing this unfold, it was important to Alan that he didn’t leave a building with so much history boarded up to be forgotten about.
You mentioned the heritage grant has only covered council parking — can you apply for additional grants to support the project?
After successfully being awarded $8k in the Heritage Conservation Grants Program, designed to assist with Heritage Overlay requirements, the money didn’t go very far in the scale of the restoration.
We were very appreciative of this, although in the scale of the restoration, our permit to close the car spaces was $10k alone. Unfortunately, no more grants were offered throughout the restoration
Could you provide a rough figure of what the full restoration works will cost?
Restoration on the external façade alone was in excess of $250,000, not including the internal works.
That figure is purely, the restoration of the lime render, new bullnose verandah including cast aluminium posts and the manufacture of the missing arches now reinstalled on the very top.
It must be pretty amazing to be part of a project like this — have you ever worked on anything at this level before?
As a kid, my mates and I would ride our bikes from Tatura Primary after school and grab lollies from Max’s IGA at that time before footy training.
Fast forward 25 years, and I’m project managing a $20 million-plus retail outlet and given the opportunity to restore a building that so many locals have a story to tell about.
The leading hand builder on site was originally my apprentice when he left school at 17. Billy and I both worked for my dad, previously building houses, before Alan gave us this opportunity.
This project is by far my highest achievement in my career, successfully delivered with a team of local trades who wanted to be part of this development and restoration.
How do you hope the people of Tatura feel about the restoration?
I feel the people of Tatura appreciate what we have achieved.
The restoration showcases the best bits from this building’s glory days, and the modern architecturally designed supermarket right next door is a fitting contrast.
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