When the store closed in June, it left Wattle Hill without easy access to buy basic conveniences such as milk and bread.

However, Geoff Ratcliff has bought the business and since August has been rebuilding the clientele.

“It is the only store in Wattle Hill,” Mr Ratcliff said.

“It has been open for most of August with basic amenities and it was mid-August before I got the deep fryer and could do takeaway food.

“We have got groceries now so it is in full swing.”

The store is open seven days a week and Mr Ratcliff has one full-time and two part-time employees.

“Everybody I’ve seen is happy to have it open again,” he said.

“There is definitely a need for a store. As long as people support it, it will stay here.”

There is the potential for the store to again be a social hub for Wattle Hill residents.

“There is not really any other place undercover,” Mr Ratcliff said.

“I think it would be used to some extent, it is right in the middle of the suburb really.”