Reconstruction of popular Chinese supermarket, XPZ, is scheduled to begin by the end of 2022.
The supermarket on Sir Sydney Walling Highway was destroyed by fire on 1st June, 2021, leaving the owners estimating their losses at approximately $10 million.
A former employee, a national of China, is in jail awaiting trial charged with arson.
Speaking to Pointe Xpress from China, the supermarket’s manager, David (only name given), said demolition at the site has begun. He said their rebuilding plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added, however, that efforts to clear away the debris of the previous structure are ongoing and promised that the supermarket would be rebuilt bigger and better than before at the same location.
An excavator has been seen removing the twisted metal from the premises.
The owners of XPZ operate another business located in St. John’s that sells clothing, however the supermarket was the larger of the two businesses and attracted many customers who found the prices attractive and the location convenient.
Scores of employees were placed on the breadline following the fire.
