Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre opened its doors to many excited customers today.

It’s taken four and a half months, and millions of dollars to recover from flood damage.

Stephanie Scott reports.

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The sign says it all.

This popular community hub is back in business

The devastating January floods left the centre ruined

Nicole Johnston, Councillor for Tennyson: “At the time it was the mud and smell that was so devastating. It coated everything, most of the traders lost all their goods.”

There was a huge turn-out as retailers and customers celebrated the re-opening.

It was touch and go at times for store owners

Elaine Wilkey, Shop-owner: “Well we were really close to just closing up and walking away but that’s a huge investment to walk away from.”

She says it was the community spirit that helped them move forward.

Many stores welcomed back familiar faces

Hai Cao, Shop-owner: “All our customers come back to see us and say hello to us and we very, very happy.”

Coles has undertaken a $10 million fit-out.

Customers checked out the the new layout and visited old favourites.

Alison Gierke, Customer: “We were’nt sure which stores were coming back. It’s lovely today to see all our favourites have re-opened.”

Many eager to make their first purchases.

Thirty out of the 33 retailers have returned to Fairfield Gardens.

Today is a milestone in the journey of recovery for the centre and the community.

Stephanie Scott, QUT News.