LIFE is starting to return to normal in Civic after the Sydney Building fire with nine businesses on East Row now cleared to reopen by WorkSafe ACT.

The Pancake Parlour and Barracks Internet Cafe received the safety clearance on Friday and opened their doors on Saturday, with Croissant D’Or, East Bar and Grill, Iori Japanese Restaurant, The Loft, Power Yoga, Canberra Convenience and Krave Night Club also cleared over the weekend.

Economic Development Directorate Director-General David Dawes says the business owners, WorkSafe ACT and other government agencies have worked cooperatively to get the businesses back open as quickly as possible.

“The business owners who have worked so quickly and cooperatively with WorkSafe ACT and other government agencies since Friday afternoon when they were given the all-clear to gain access to their premises, are to be commended,” Mr Dawes says.

“ACTION has also recommenced bus services along East Row in the City Interchange on Saturday, importantly bringing pedestrians back into this part of the city, not only for the traders in the Sydney Building, but also for the traders in the broader bus interchange precinct.”

WorkSafe ACT and other government agencies are continuing to work with other business owners and tenants in the Sydney Building that are yet to be cleared.

Additional support is also available to impacted businesses through advisory services under the Canberra BusinessPoint program, including an insurance workshop and one-to-one advisory services on matters such as cash flow management and general recovery planning.

A hoarding has been erected around the parts of the building damaged by the fire, extending along East Row to London Circuit. Verity Lane has been reopened to vehicles and pedestrian access has been restored between London Circuit and East Row.