The fire destroyed over 50 percent of the building on February 2, 2017 and resulted in more than one million dollars worth of damage.

The cause of the fire in Miles Street was non-suspicious and was likely to be due to an electrical fault, the Mount Isa Police Criminal Investigation Branch said after the fire. 

Mount Isa police said in March that the fire was likely to be caused by an electrical fault. 

The Harvey Norman itself store re-opened a month later at the Overlander Shopping Centre.

The two licensees, Brian Bower and Brad Sheppard, sought another short term location for Harvey Norman and considered the former Crazy Clarks shop in the central business district as the likely possibility before they agreed on the Pioneer option.

Harvey Norman Franchisee Brad Sheppard said they have settled into the new building and they loved it there.

“The ergonomics of the building are perfect for us, the staff are happy and importantly so are our customers,” Mr Sheppard said.

“We have no wish to move as we just signed a seven year contract.”

The franchisee owners said had no affiliation with the other building and have been left wondering what will become of it.

The North West Star has contacted Harvey Norman head office for comment.

A Mount Isa City Council spokesperson said their planning department was discussing options with the builder/ owner about rehabilitating the site.

However the spokesperson said no further information was available at this time.

Local business owner Rob Gleeson of Whateva Sports is situated next door to the old building and he said they were considering moving their business, hence the clearance sale on at the moment.

“Look at the street, there’s no foot traffic down this end at all anymore,” Mr Gleeson said.